Over the course of many years, scientists have worked hard to better understand how the Earth is put together. Dr. Juan Carlos Afonso, a geophysicist from the University of Twente, is one of these distinguished scientists (Faculty of ITC). We will conclude with an amazing mapping tool technology for locating Earth’s resources.
Amazing mapping tool technology for locating Earth’s resources
He has only just invented a novel technique for analyzing the continental crust of the Earth. This technique not only lays the framework for predicting geothermal energy sources, but it also lays the groundwork for predicting other essential resources for the earth and other planets. His findings were recently published in the peer-reviewed scholarly journal Nature Geoscience.
Understanding the workings of the continental lithosphere for understanding mapping technology:
It is essential to have a fundamental understanding of the workings of the continental lithosphere, which is the outermost part of the Earth, as well as the ability to predict the location of geothermal energy and mineral resources in order to lessen the impact of natural disasters and assist in the transition to green energy technologies
. Using a particular data set for each feature of the earth’s crust that they study, scientists that study the earth typically examine the earth’s crust in stages. But the geoscientists’ understanding of the genesis and evolution of the planet, as well as the location of resources beneath our feet, is dependent on both the chemical structure of the crust and the minute temperature changes between different parts of the crust.
Combining numerous data sets for the purpose of this endeavor, however, continues to be a difficult task.
Afonso’s initial success:
As part of his investigation, Afonso was successful in formally combining numerous satellite data sets with land-based data sets, which allowed him to view deeper into the Earth than was previously conceivable.
According to Afonso, this is an entirely novel approach to “viewing” what is located below there. In the past, the examination of rock samples that were brought to the surface by volcanoes was the only method of deep resource discovery that could be considered reliable (known as “xenoliths”).
“You can probably imagine how challenging it would be to obtain such samples if your research relied on volcanoes. They are dispersed throughout space and time and still contain a great deal of uncertainty “explains Afonso.
According to Afonso, “Central and Southern Africa is a natural laboratory that helps us answer fundamental questions about the formation of cratons,” and “there are plenty of datasets on those needed xenoliths that helped us prove our method.” In other words, “Central and Southern Africa is a natural laboratory that helps us answer fundamental questions about the formation of cratons.”
The regions of central and southern Africa were the primary focus of the study team. It was helpful to have the Kalahari, Tanzanian, and Congo cratons in the region. These cratons are ancient and stable sections of the Earth’s two highest layers.
Investigation results:
“The results of this investigation showed that our strategy of merging data sets from satellites and the ground is effective. Now that we have this information, we may expand the investigation to areas where xenoliths are not readily available “says Afonso. According to the findings of the study, this methodology contributes to the creation of planetary models for the next generation and helps encourage the development of technologies that are less polluting. This not only paves the way for creative resource exploration frameworks for Earth but also for other terrestrial planets in the universe. “Perhaps we should move on to Mars or the Moon next.”
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