Hydridic Earth theory
Encyclopedia
The Hydridic Earth theory is a theory proposed in 1968 by Soviet geologist
Vladimir Larin
. The theory contradicts the generally accepted views on the Structure of the Earth
. The theory makes certain predictions that can be dismissed or proven through experiments.
Starting with the first principles, Larin proposed an explanation for the observed distribution of elements throughout the Solar system
. Solar wind
in the primordial system pushed element
s away from the center. The elements with lower ionization potential
s were trapped by the Sun's magnetic field
and held closer to the sun, the elements with higher ionization potentials were pushed to the outer fringes. Assuming that the primordial abundance of the elements
was similar to the current composition of the sun, the scheme accounts for the present rocky and metallic inner planets and gaseous outer planets.
The described distribution scheme suggested that Earth
must contain orders of magnitude more hydrogen
than actually observed. To account for it, Larin made the most controversial suggestion of metallic composition for the middle and lower mantles
in the form of metal hydride
s. He suggested that the silicate-oxide composition is confined to the upper mantle and crust
primarily.
Geologist
A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth as well as the processes and history that has shaped it. Geologists usually engage in studying geology. Geologists, studying more of an applied science than a theoretical one, must approach Geology using...
Vladimir Larin
Vladimir Larin
Vladimir Nikolayevich Larin is a Soviet/Russian geologist, developer of the Hydridic Earth theory. If proven correct, the theory may have profound impications for energy development and Hydrogen economy.-External links:*...
. The theory contradicts the generally accepted views on the Structure of the Earth
Structure of the Earth
The interior structure of the Earth, similar to the outer, is layered. These layers can be defined by either their chemical or their rheological properties. The Earth has an outer silicate solid crust, a highly viscous mantle, a liquid outer core that is much less viscous than the mantle, and a...
. The theory makes certain predictions that can be dismissed or proven through experiments.
Starting with the first principles, Larin proposed an explanation for the observed distribution of elements throughout the Solar system
Solar System
The Solar System consists of the Sun and the astronomical objects gravitationally bound in orbit around it, all of which formed from the collapse of a giant molecular cloud approximately 4.6 billion years ago. The vast majority of the system's mass is in the Sun...
. Solar wind
Solar wind
The solar wind is a stream of charged particles ejected from the upper atmosphere of the Sun. It mostly consists of electrons and protons with energies usually between 1.5 and 10 keV. The stream of particles varies in temperature and speed over time...
in the primordial system pushed element
Chemical element
A chemical element is a pure chemical substance consisting of one type of atom distinguished by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus. Familiar examples of elements include carbon, oxygen, aluminum, iron, copper, gold, mercury, and lead.As of November 2011, 118 elements...
s away from the center. The elements with lower ionization potential
Ionization potential
The ionization energy of a chemical species, i.e. an atom or molecule, is the energy required to remove an electron from the species to a practically infinite distance. Large atoms or molecules have a low ionization energy, while small molecules tend to have higher ionization energies.The property...
s were trapped by the Sun's magnetic field
Magnetic field
A magnetic field is a mathematical description of the magnetic influence of electric currents and magnetic materials. The magnetic field at any given point is specified by both a direction and a magnitude ; as such it is a vector field.Technically, a magnetic field is a pseudo vector;...
and held closer to the sun, the elements with higher ionization potentials were pushed to the outer fringes. Assuming that the primordial abundance of the elements
Abundance of the chemical elements
The abundance of a chemical element measures how relatively common the element is, or how much of the element is present in a given environment by comparison to all other elements...
was similar to the current composition of the sun, the scheme accounts for the present rocky and metallic inner planets and gaseous outer planets.
The described distribution scheme suggested that Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
must contain orders of magnitude more hydrogen
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the chemical element with atomic number 1. It is represented by the symbol H. With an average atomic weight of , hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant chemical element, constituting roughly 75% of the Universe's chemical elemental mass. Stars in the main sequence are mainly...
than actually observed. To account for it, Larin made the most controversial suggestion of metallic composition for the middle and lower mantles
Mantle (geology)
The mantle is a part of a terrestrial planet or other rocky body large enough to have differentiation by density. The interior of the Earth, similar to the other terrestrial planets, is chemically divided into layers. The mantle is a highly viscous layer between the crust and the outer core....
in the form of metal hydride
Hydride
In chemistry, a hydride is the anion of hydrogen, H−, or, more commonly, a compound in which one or more hydrogen centres have nucleophilic, reducing, or basic properties. In compounds that are regarded as hydrides, hydrogen is bonded to a more electropositive element or group...
s. He suggested that the silicate-oxide composition is confined to the upper mantle and crust
Crust (geology)
In geology, the crust is the outermost solid shell of a rocky planet or natural satellite, which is chemically distinct from the underlying mantle...
primarily.