Scientists Extract Mantle Rocks from Earth for Unprecedented Geological Insights

Wed, 06 May 2026 15:44:00 +0200

A team of international scientists has successfully retrieved a 1,268-meter section of rocks from the Earth's mantle, marking a historic breakthrough in Earth sciences. The mantle, located beneath the crust, plays a critical role in tectonic activity and volcanic processes. The rocks were collected from a tectonic window on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge during Expedition 399 of the JOIDES Resolution, led by Professor Johan Lissenberg from Cardiff University. Analysis of the samples revealed unexpected chemical and mineral compositions, including lower pyroxene levels and higher magnesium content, suggesting more extensive mantle melting than previously understood. These findings clarify the pathways magma takes from the mantle to the Earth's surface, enhancing knowledge of volcanic activity, particularly on ocean floors. Additionally, the mantle rocks provide insight into early Earth conditions and the origins of life, as minerals like olivine react with seawater to produce hydrogen and other