Scientists reveal Earth’s interior is cooling unevenly across hemispheres

New research shows one side of the planet Earth's interior cools faster. (Image: Canva)

New research shows one side of the planet’s interior cools faster. The Pacific Ocean side is losing heat more quickly than continents. This deep-Earth pattern affects tectonics, volcanic activity, and geological evolution.

The hemisphere under the Pacific Ocean is cooling faster than the opposite side. Oceanic crust is thinner, allowing more heat to escape into the oceans. Continental crust is thicker, slowing down heat loss over millions of years.

The scientists discovered the pattern using mantle temperature and geological modeling. This internal cooling shapes mantle circulation and plate tectonic behaviour.

The Pacific Ocean side of Earth is losing heat fastest. Oceans provide thinner crust that allows heat to escape efficiently. Continental regions, like Africa and Eurasia, retain heat longer. Patterns are evident in both upper mantle and deep mantle regions. Heat flow variations influence volcanic and tectonic activity globally.

Scientists suggest this process has been ongoing for millions of years. The imbalance shapes mantle flow and continental drift over geological time. Cooling rates differ between hemispheres throughout Earth’s history.

Studying ancient cooling patterns helps understand past volcanic and tectonic activity. Long-term mantle evolution is recorded in seismic and thermal data.

Researchers use seismic tomography and heat flow measurements across continents and oceans. Computer models simulate mantle convection and long-term heat loss. Satellite data tracks subtle changes in Earth’s gravitational and thermal fields. Combining methods provides a detailed picture of hemispheric temperature differences.

This finding provides a clearer picture of Earth’s hidden interior. It deepens understanding of how heat drives mantle movement and tectonic shifts. Scientists gain clues about ancient volcanic patterns and continental drift. The research improves models predicting long-term geological behaviour.