Gold leaking from Earth’s core and other planet-shaking discoveries of 2025

From Escaping Gold to Shifting Poles: What We Learned About Earth in 2025 (Image: Canva)

• In 2025, scientists revealed new clues about Earth’s deep past and hidden workings, from the planet’s oldest rocks and mysterious swamp lights to shifting magnetic poles, deep-sea ecosystems, and unexpected changes inside Earth’s core.

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Scientists during 2025 uncovered striking clues about Earth’s past, present and hidden depths, offering fresh insight into how a once molten planet slowly became a world capable of sustaining life.

Researchers say progress across geology, chemistry and planetary science helped explain ancient rocks, strange lights, deep ocean life and unseen movements deep within Earth. Together, the findings reshaped understanding of how Earth works, how life emerged and how the planet continues changing today.

Earth’s Oldest Rock and Earliest Conditions

In June, a study reported ancient rock fragments discovered in northern Quebec. The Nuvvuagittuq outcrops were dated to 4.16 billion years old. Scientists say this places them within the Hadean eon. That era began when Earth formed 4.6 billion years ago. Researchers believe the rocks may preserve early Earth conditions. Some scientists suggest possible traces of ancient life. However, debate continues about the dating method used. The samples lacked zircon minerals, which usually confirm extreme ages. Experts caution that rocks this old often carry complex histories.

Strange Lights, Magnetic Shifts and Deep Life

In September, researchers published findings explaining will-o’-the-wisp lights. They linked the glow to microlightning inside methane bubbles. Another March study suggested similar microlightning once helped create life’s chemical building blocks. Scientists also updated the World Magnetic Model during 2025. The model tracks Earth’s shifting magnetic north pole. Researchers reset its position and forecast future movement. Data shows the pole drifting from Canada toward Russia. Its speed slowed after 2015, though scientists remain uncertain why.

Meanwhile, geochemist Mengran Du led a deep-sea mission between Russia and Alaska. Her team discovered ecosystems thriving nearly 9,500 metres below the surface. The organisms survive using methane instead of sunlight. Nature later named Du among ten scientists shaping 2025 research.

Hidden Worlds Beneath Earth’s Surface

Studies published in January and August revealed ancient structures inside Earth’s mantle. Scientists found remnants of long-lost supercontinents preserved deep below. Another study linked a hot rock mass beneath the Appalachians to continental separation 80 million years ago. Researchers say this may explain why the mountains remain unexpectedly tall.

Scientists also probed Earth’s inner core during 2025. Using seismic data, they identified shape changes near its surface. Earlier research confirmed the core reversed its rotation. In May, a separate study suggested small amounts of gold may be leaking upward from the core. Scientists say this hints at slow material movement from Earth’s centre toward its crust.

Together, researchers say these discoveries deepen understanding of Earth’s origins, inner workings and long-term future.