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Water-induced mantle overturn explains high Archean paleointensities
Dong Wang1, Zhongqing Wu1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
National Science Review
|February 12, 2026
Summary
Water-induced mantle overturn explains Archean continent formation and strengthens the geomagnetic field. This process accelerated core cooling, increasing heat flow and supporting high paleointensity records during Earth's early history.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Geophysics
- Planetary Science
Background:
- The Archean Eon presents puzzles like continent formation and the Archean-Proterozoic boundary.
- A water-bearing basal magma ocean is proposed as a key factor in early Earth processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of mantle overturn on the core-mantle boundary and geomagnetic field.
- To explain puzzling Archean observations through a unified model.
Main Methods:
- Modeling the thermal evolution of the core-mantle boundary.
- Analyzing the effects of basal magma ocean upwelling during mantle overturn.
Main Results:
- Mantle overturn significantly accelerates core cooling.
- Heat flow across the core-mantle boundary is substantially increased.
- Enhanced heat flow correlates with a strengthened geomagnetic field.
Conclusions:
- Water-induced mantle overturn provides a coherent explanation for Archean continent formation and the Archean-Proterozoic boundary.
- The model supports high paleointensity records from 3.5 to 2.5 Ga.
- A strong geodynamo and continental formation are linked to mantle overturn.
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