Geoflow data

Geoflow data from the International Space Station showing how a liquid between two revolving concentric spheres moves as the temperature between the outer and inner sphere changes.

Six European teams led by the University of Cottbus in Germany recreated aspects of mantle flow in the Geoflow laboratory. Experiments simulating these conditions can verify and improve computer models.

Understanding how Earth’s mantle flows is a major interest for geophysics because it could help to explain earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. The results could also benefit industry by improving spherical gyroscopes, bearings and centrifugal pumps, for example.