- #1
linux kid
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...until you reached the core, what would happen? Would you have created a new volcano? or...
If you diged so deep into the earth
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Discussion Overview
The discussion explores the hypothetical scenario of digging a hole to the Earth's core, examining the implications for volcanic activity, the nature of the Earth's layers, and the feasibility of such an endeavor. It includes theoretical considerations, conceptual definitions, and playful speculation.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that a typical shovel would melt before reaching the core, while others propose the use of advanced technology to avoid this issue.
- There is a question about the definition of a volcano and whether creating a tunnel to the center of the Earth would qualify as creating a volcano, particularly regarding the conditions necessary for lava to flow.
- One participant notes that magma reservoirs are usually found closer to the Earth's surface, implying that digging to the core may not be necessary to encounter magma.
- Concerns are raised about the structural integrity of a deep hole and the challenges of preventing it from collapsing.
- Another participant emphasizes that the Earth's mantle is not solid and questions how one would dig through a liquid layer, suggesting that the viscosity of the mantle would affect magma flow.
- There is a mention of misconceptions regarding the mantle's state, with some parts being elastic rather than solid, and the potential dangers of reaching the outer core.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views, with no consensus on the feasibility of digging to the core or the implications of such an action. Multiple competing ideas about the nature of the Earth's layers and volcanic definitions remain unresolved.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include assumptions about the tools and conditions required for digging, as well as the undefined parameters surrounding the concept of a volcano in this context.
- #2
Chi Meson
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Oh my goodness. Where do we start?
I can assure you your little shovel will have melted before you reach the core.
Here's a place to start.
http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/astronomy/arny/student/webtutor/earth_core/index.htm
I can assure you your little shovel will have melted before you reach the core.
Here's a place to start.
http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/astronomy/arny/student/webtutor/earth_core/index.htm
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- #3
AngeloG
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If you got a "very expensive" shovel and a "very expensive" body suit that didn't melt, nor' did you die in the process.
Here's a thought -> What is the very definition of a volcano? If you did create a tunnel to the center of the earth, would it create the definition of a "volcano"?
*EXAMPLE* Let's say the very definition of a Volcano is that it has to shoot out lava/magma (This isn't the definition by the way). If you created such a tunnel, would there be pressure to shoot out lava or would it just flow out?
Here's a thought -> What is the very definition of a volcano? If you did create a tunnel to the center of the earth, would it create the definition of a "volcano"?
*EXAMPLE* Let's say the very definition of a Volcano is that it has to shoot out lava/magma (This isn't the definition by the way). If you created such a tunnel, would there be pressure to shoot out lava or would it just flow out?
- #4
Evo
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You wouldn't need to go to the core to find magma. Resevoirs of magma are usually fairly close to the Earth's surface.
- #5
Moonbear
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Now, how would you keep your hole from continuously filling back in? If you thought OSHA got in a tizzy about proper supports if your hole gets larger than waist-deep, just wait until they hear about plans to dig to the center of the Earth! 
- #6
edward
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This is what happens when you dig too deep.
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- #7
Integral
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Consider that the Earth's crust is eggshell thin in comparison to the Earth's radius. It is impossible to dig a hole beyond the crust simply because the mantle is not solid, how do you dig a hole in liquid?
It seems like it would be possible to open a path for magma to flow to the crust. It is not clear to me how wide a hole would have to be for this to happen. While the mantle is liquid it is very viscious so would not flow through just any hole.
It seems like it would be possible to open a path for magma to flow to the crust. It is not clear to me how wide a hole would have to be for this to happen. While the mantle is liquid it is very viscious so would not flow through just any hole.
- #8
matthyaouw
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If you and your little shovel were to dig a hole that deep, the only thing you'd have in greater excess than hot rock would be spare time.
- #9
dontdisturbmycircles
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Start digging and find out!
Just kidding.
Just kidding.
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- #10
Andre
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Some misconceptions here, the mantle is thought to be solid but parts are elastic.
But you really get in trouble when you hit the outer core.
The liquid iron would be forced up, while the pressure is released whilst you float on liquid iron, you will go up too, until you bump your head against the plastic astenosphere, which started to fill up your hole.
Source: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/earth/Inside.shtml
But you really get in trouble when you hit the outer core.
The liquid iron would be forced up, while the pressure is released whilst you float on liquid iron, you will go up too, until you bump your head against the plastic astenosphere, which started to fill up your hole.
Source: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/earth/Inside.shtml
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