Japanese scientists developed a project of a borehole to earth’s mantle
A team of Japanese seismologists plans the first in the world to drill the earth’s crust and reach the mantle earth’s core.
The purpose of this project, according to the researchers from the Japanese Agency for science and technology in marine science (JAMSTEC), attempt to learn more about how our planet formed and what is in the mantle. The Japanese government supports and finances the expedition, as knowledge of this kind will help to predict earthquakes, reports CNN.
The mantle component of 80% of the mass of our planet is under the crust at a depth of 10 km.
Japanese scientists want to be first to drill into the Earth’s mantle https://t.co/8F5ce97ZX0 pic.twitter.com/6lJPlpbjRT
— CNN International (@Mashable) April 8, 2017
At the moment they look at three places where they can begin drilling to the mantle. “One place is the coast of Hawaii, the second is off the coast of Costa Rica, and the last — near Mexico,” says Natsue Abe, the representative of the Agency.
The project will be carried out aboard the most modern drilling vessel “Chikyu”.
At the moment it is the largest ship of its kind. “Chikyu” is able to lower your drill to a depth of 4 km, where the latter, in turn, will be able to go through 6 km through the crust to the mantle. The project will enter into an active phase in 2030.
Scientists are pursuing four main objectives in your project. Of course, the first goal is well to the mantle, the second purpose is to study the boundaries of the earth’s crust and mantle. The third goal is the study of the origin of the ocean floor. Fourth — find out what depth there is still a life.