“The interior dynamics of our planet are crucial for maintaining a surface environment where life can thrive—driving the geodynamo that creates our magnetic field and shaping the composition of our atmosphere,” explained Carnegie’s Rajkrishna Dutta, the lead author. “The conditions found in the depths of large, rocky exoplanets such as super-Earths would be even more extreme.”
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Under ambient conditions, most silicates and germanates are organized in what’s called a tetrahedral structure, one central silicon or germanium bonded with four other atoms. However, under extreme conditions, this can change.
“The discovery that under extreme pressures, silicates could take on a structure oriented around six bonds, rather than four, was a total game-changer in terms of scientists’ understanding of deep Earth dynamics,” Tracy explained. “The discovery of an eightfold orientation could have similarly revolutionary implications for how we think about the dynamics of exoplanet interiors.”
Working with magnesium germanate, Mg2GeO4, analogous to one of the mantle’s most abundant silicate minerals, the team was able to glean information about the potential mineralogy of super-Earths and other large, rocky exoplanets. Under about 2 million times normal atmospheric pressure a new phase emerged with a distinct crystalline structure that involves one germanium bonded with eight oxygens. The new eight-coordinated, intrinsically discorded mineral is expected to strongly affect the internal temperature and dynamics of these planets. Illustration is courtesy of Rajkrishna Dutta.
The conclusion somebody I listen too is, the Sun is still contributing the heaviest atomic elements regularly to make the percentages on earth compute. There are cycles and violent solar events usually precede the lowest minimums. They look at this as chemistry & habitability on other worlds. There is no stopping science guessing what is coming next. We all just want the facts followed. https://carnegiescience.edu/news/whats- ... ant-worlds