When it comes to the Earth, we've only just scratched the surface – in more ways than one. But, a new project and a mere $1 billion could change all that.
According to a recent CNN article, scientists are planning to drill nearly four miles through the planet's crust and into its mantle – a roughly 2,000-mile-thick layer of rock that makes up most of the Earth's mass. Up until now, the only samples from this layer have come to the surface via volcanic eruptions.
If researchers are able to get their hands on rock from this "undiscovered country," mysteries about the formation and evolution of the planet we call home could be unraveled. So what's the holdup? Drilling technology isn't quite ready for such a massive undertaking. The news source reports that current drill bits only have a life of about 50 to 60 hours. After that, they must be replaced before drilling can continue.
With today's technology, it could take several years to reach the mantle once drilling were to begin. As this blog has discussed on more than one occasion, the key to unlocking mysteries of the universe – including our own planet – is often manufacturing ingenuity.
Not only do scientists need longer-lasting drill bits, but the equipment used to reach deeper into the earth must be able to handle increasingly hot temperatures. Innovative methods of joining dissimilar metals that allow equipment to handle the physical strain and heat associated with drilling four miles deep into the Earth are critical.
Techniques for ceramic to metal bonding are also aiding in the construction of sensor housings for gamma ray detectors. While those sound like something that helped turn Bruce Banner into the Incredible Hulk, they actually assist in steering drill heads through rock using the earth's natural radiation.
Geologist and co-leader of the project Damon Teagle told CNN this is "the most challenging endeavor in the history of Earth science."
Raising the funds for the project will be no small feat either, which gives Teagle a bit of a cushion, during which he hopes drilling technology will advance to the point needed for success. If all goes to plan, he expects humans to reach the Earth's mantle in the next decade.