The Quanta Podcast Earth’s Core Appears To Be Leaking Up and Out of Earth’s Surface
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Sep 2, 2025 
Robin George Andrews, a science journalist and volcanologist, delves into the surprising phenomenon of the Earth's core leaking up through the mantle. He discusses strange blobs sitting at the core-mantle boundary, raising questions about their composition and the implications for volcanic activity. The conversation also highlights recent discoveries, like helium-3 in eruptions, and the unexpected presence of ruthenium in volcanic rocks. Together, they explore how these findings challenge traditional views of Earth's layered structure and deepen our understanding of its inner mysteries.
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Core-Mantle Boundary May Be Porous
- Earth’s interior is often pictured as neat layers, but new research suggests material can cross boundaries between core and mantle.
- That challenges textbook separations and links deep core processes to surface volcanism.
Seismic Waves Reveal Hidden Structure
- Seismic waves act like CT scans allowing scientists to infer deep Earth structures without direct access.
- Researchers use changes in wave speed and direction to map layers and anomalies deep below.
Mantle Plumes Power Hotspot Volcanoes
- Mantle plumes are buoyant, fountain-like upwellings that cause hotspot volcanism like Hawaii.
- They rise from deep mantle regions and trigger decompression melting beneath plates.