Researchers have detected a rhythmic pulse from Earth’s interior every 26 seconds, leaving scientists puzzled about its origin.
In the early 1960s, geologist Jack Oliver first documented a peculiar seismic phenomenon: Earth emits a subtle pulse approximately every 26 seconds. Because of the lack of advanced technology, Oliver couldn’t pinpoint the source, but he suggested it originated from the southern or equatorial Atlantic Ocean.
Decades later, seismologist Mike Ritzwoller and his team revisited this enigma. With modern digital seismometers, they confirmed Oliver’s findings, observing the same rhythmic microseisms. Ritzwoller acknowledged the technological limitations of the past, noting that earlier researchers didn’t have access to today’s sophisticated instruments.
Further investigations by Garrett Euler narrowed the pulse’s origin to the Bight of Bonny in the Gulf of Guinea. Euler proposed that ocean waves interacting with the continental shelf might deform the ocean floor, generating these seismic pulses.
Contrastingly, Yingjie Xia from China’s Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics suggested in 2013 that volcanic activity near São Tomé could be responsible. He drew parallels to similar microseisms observed near Japan’s Aso Volcano.
Despite these theories, the exact cause of Earth’s 26-second ‘heartbeat’ remains elusive. Seismologist Doug Wiens pointed out that while intriguing, this phenomenon isn’t a primary focus in seismology, as it doesn’t directly relate to understanding Earth’s deep structure.
As research continues, Earth’s rhythmic pulse stands as a testament to the planet’s many mysteries awaiting discovery.
