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Nature 443, 927-928 (26 October 2006) | doi:10.1038/443927a; Published online 25 October 2006

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Geophysics: Protons lead the charge

Greg Hirth1

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Is the anomalously high electrical conductivity seen in part of Earth's mantle caused by protons derived from hydrous defects in the mineral olivine? Two groups investigate this possibility — and draw different conclusions.

Many lines of evidence indicate that Earth's dynamic processes are controlled by water — more specifically, by the hydrogen ions (protons) present in minerals in its interior. What has been lacking is a reliable way to determine the concentration and distribution of this hydrogen.

  1. Greg Hirth is in the Department of Geology & Geophysics, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA.
    Email: ghirth@whoi.edu

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