Pocketalk, the global leader in connecting conversations and removing language barriers, today announces UK availability of its new, larger device, the Pocketalk Plus. The Pocketalk Plus is a portable, AI-powered instant voice-translator that can translate 82 languages bi-directionally at the touch of a button. As holiday bookings surge following the change to Covid travel rules, the Pocketalk Plus is a must-have for anyone planning to travel abroad this year.
The Pocketalk Plus has been designed to facilitate easy naturally flowing conversations, between people who don’t speak the same language. In comparison to the Pocketalk S, which launched in 2020, the Pocketalk Plus features an 85% larger touchscreen display enabling users to easily translate while keeping appropriate social distance if needed. It also has 1.3 times the battery life (approximately 192 hours), a strong speaker and a noise cancelling microphone which helps to avoid misinterpretations even in the busiest of streets.
The Pocketalk Plus is able to create connections across 82 different languages in over 130 countries and regions. Whether holiday goers are travelling to Spain, France, or going further afield, by utilising the best language engines from around the world, it provides consistently accurate translations, even picking up localised dialects and slang. A built-in text-to-translate camera also means that it can help decipher public transport information, signs and menus. It will also provide an optional audio translation of the written text as well.
The Pocketalk Plus
Easy to use, globetrotters simply choose from a list of languages they’d like to translate to/from. Alternatively, a mic icon on the screen allows users to say the language they’d like to select. Users can then simply hold down the home button and say the phrase or sentence they’d like to translate. Translations appear immediately on the display and, for most languages, are also read aloud. The Pocketalk Plus can translate up to 30 seconds of speech.
For those looking to brush up on their language skills before they go away, Pocketalk Plus also has a practice mode. A great tool for families and students, it pronounces phrases in different languages, identifying when words are mispronounced and playing back phrases slowly. Additionally, the Pocketalk Plus has a currency translation and unit conversion feature making it quick and easy to convert one currency to another as well as convert length, weight and temperature.
The Pocketalk Plus is available now for £299 from www.uk.pocketalk.com including a complimentary two-year mobile data plan. The Pocketalk Plus can also be connected via Wi-Fi or a personal hotspot
Dell Technologies has today unveiled new additions to its Alienware line. From the world’s thinnest 14” gaming laptop; to the most powerful 17-inch AMD Advantage gaming laptop, to the world’s first Quantum Dot OLED gaming monitor, each new device is packed with innovations for the ultimate gaming experience.
Make your moves while on the move
Mobile gamers who want excellent portability need to look no further than the new Alienware x14. Dell’s thinnest laptop to date is made possible through a clever new patent-pending hinge design, which lets us pack a lot under the hood: from our suite of Alienware Cryo-Tech cooling technology which optimizes thermal performance, to the largest Whr battery capacity on a 14” gaming laptop capable of over 11 hours of HD video playback.
The Alienware x14 is the first 14” laptop supporting NVIDIA’s Advanced Optimus and G-SYNC technologies – so battery life is optimized even during immersive gaming sessions. The Alienware x14 is also the first Alienware laptop to use Type-C ports exclusively as charging ports. Under the hood, you can find the latest 12th Gen Intel® Core™ H-series processors and our exclusive thermal interface material, Element 31, in addition to Intel® Arc™ Graphics or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 laptop GPU with 7-phase voltage regulation. It truly is a gamers lifestyle companion fit for every environment.
For those who desire bigger displays but the same high portability, Dell is also unveiling key upgrades to the improved Alienware x15 R2 and Alienware x17 R2, which includes a completely new set of eye-popping graphics options from NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 30 Series, 12th Gen Intel Core processors, faster memory (now running at up to DDR5 6400Mhz speeds), AlienFX stadium lighting and other great features you’ll love.
For extreme gaming performance that delivers a competitive edge, Alienware m17 R5 is the most powerful 17-inch AMD Advantage™ gaming laptop in the world. The first available laptop to feature AMD SmartAccess Graphics – Dell’s all-new m17 delivers an incredible combination of gaming technologies spanning hardware and software that create a gaming experience greater than the sum of its parts. All of this is cured with Alienware Cryo-tech cooling technology including graphics vapour chamber cooling to sustain high-performance through long marathon gaming sessions, whether you’re playing your favourite indie game or the latest high-end AAA title.
Kick your senses into high gear
Alienware is giving gamers the ultimate battle station and bringing the experience to a whole new level with its new peripherals. Designed for out-of-this-world viewing experiences, top-notch sound quality, customizable features and ergonomics – these new peripherals will put you at the top of your game.
For gamers who play racing, simulation or action-adventure games, or Twitch streamers and content developers, Dell is introducing the Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3423DW), a CES Innovation Award Honoree. This unit offers stunning colour performance and high luminance with crystal-clear visuals for an immersive gaming experience.
In its simplest form, a QD-OLED display combines the impressive picture qualities of OLED with Quantum Dot technology to deliver a vibrant, life-like colour performance including consistent colour uniformity, wide colour coverage, incredible brightness and OLED reliability we stand behind with a 3-year limited hardware warranty that covers OLED burn-in.
Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Headset (AW920H), also a CES Innovation Award Honoree, can keep gamers playing comfortably. Inheriting the Legend 2.0 design, it is Dell’s most comfy headset with a slimmer silhouette, leatherette covering and soft memory foam earcups. Embedded with active noise cancelling, immersive multi-dimensional audio, integrated touch controls and versatile device connectivity, this headset is perfect for PC and mobile gaming as well as music and entertainment.
The new Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Mouse (AW720M) is extremely comfortable. That’s because it’s weight-optimized at 89g, with a new slimmer design, 3D- sculpted ambidextrous thumb grips and iconic AlienFX RGB lighting. Its next-gen, 26,000 DPI optical sensor and magnetic force keyplates ensure the high-level performance you expect from a gaming mouse.
Commenting on the new releases, Vivian Lien, VP, Alienware & Dell Gaming at Dell Technologies said: “No matter if you’re into hyper-realistic world-building or heart-pounding monster-slaying, incredible experiences are woven into Alienware’s DNA. This past year, for the benefit of gamers both casual and hardcore, we took that ethos to exhilarating new heights!
“In 2021, we unveiled our thinnest gaming laptops yet, Alienware X-Series with breakthrough system-level engineering controls to let you play the latest and greatest PC gaming titles anywhere. We completed an inside-out redesign of our flagship Alienware Aurora desktop, enriching the gaming experience in every way.
“As players multiply in every region of the world and we gear up for hotly anticipated new game releases in 2022, the hype has never been stronger with development and innovation to match – including major updates across our Alienware mobility family and peripheral ecosystem.”
Pricing & Availability
Coming soon this Winter
Alienware x14. Pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
Alienware x15 R2. Pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
Alienware x17 R2. Pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
Alienware m15 R7 with Intel processors. Pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3423DW). Pricing to be unveiled upon launch.
There’s no doubt that technology has had a profound impact on the way businesses operate. With new advancements in software and hardware, companies can run more efficiently and provide better products and services to their customers. However, some aspects of the business have remained unchanged for centuries and will likely continue to do so. One such aspect is visual advertising. Classic visual advertising methods still work well for certain businesses, even in our tech-driven world. This blog post will discuss four ways tech-based firms can benefit from classic visual advertising techniques!
1. Use A Variety Of Ads
In addition to being a creative professional, you must understand the basics of image creation and layout. This is because for your ads to be effective, they must work with your target audience’s existing knowledge. For many people, this means using standard symbols and imagery.
In most cases, you can accomplish this by creating images that incorporate both text and graphics, and there is no better way than using custom-made photos and infographics. Check this website for great ideas on customized material. However, it is crucial to work with a professional who can provide you with various materials like graphics, infographics, and advertorials.
For example, a business that deals with men’s fashion should create infographics containing pictures of modern-day male celebrities wearing stylish clothes and using accessories from your company. That way, you combine the power of images and text to influence people effectively.
2. Know When To Use A Photograph Or Infographic
When it comes to creating images for visual advertising, there are a few questions that every new business owner should ask. The first question is whether or not they should use a photograph or an infographic. There is no simple answer to this question because it all comes down to personal preference, but there are some things you may want to consider.
First of all, if your business deals with information that is difficult for people to comprehend, an infographic is usually the way to go. However, if your business is more about entertainment or creativity, you should probably opt for a photo. Photos are designed to evoke emotion, while infographics are created to convey information in an easy-to-understand manner. The key to success with infographic design is simplicity.
Another critical thing to consider is what you’re trying to achieve with your visual advertising campaign. For example, if you’re trying to create brand awareness, a photo will probably work better than an infographic. If the goal is to drive traffic to your website or increase conversions, infographics are usually the way to go because they contain information that people want and need.
3. Include a Call to Action in All of Your Ads
While it’s essential to make sure your ads are consistent with your website, you should also make sure they contain an effective call to action. This gives customers a clear idea of what you want them to do next (e.g., sign up for your mailing list) and will help ensure they don’t get distracted or leave without taking the desired action.
One of the most effective ways to include a call to action in your infographics is to use an arrow. For example, if you want people to share your infographic with their friends and family via social media, include an indicator at the bottom of the image that points in the direction of each social network (e.g., Facebook, Twitter).
You can also place a call to action at the end of your copy. It can consist of one or two words that summarize the message your infographic is trying to convey (e.g., “click here”). The idea is to provide customers with an actionable next step, which helps increase conversions and keep them engaged with your company.
4. Use Visual Marketing In Social Media
Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram have become very popular, especially among young people who are more likely to make purchasing decisions based on what others say online. Using visual marketing in social media allows you to attract a larger audience by showing them what your business is about.
You can use images in your social media pages to help people find out more about who you are and the types of products and services you offer. You can also include pictures in your Facebook or Instagram posts so that people will quickly understand what the post is about without having to read a lot of text.
If you decide to incorporate classic visual advertising techniques into your tech-based business, it’s important to remember that quality should always take priority over quantity. Make sure you have images that are well-designed and professional-looking. This way, your ads will stand out against the competition while still respecting your target audience’s previous knowledge. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to incorporate classic visual advertising into your tech-based business successfully.
Over the last few weeks we have been testing out the latest from Padmate and this product is for the sports fan and perhaps more and it is their new S30 Bone Conduction Open-Ear sport headphones. Small and compact too they are ultra portable ultra light and fit really well.
So what are the Padmate S30 Bone conduction headphones all about..
Open ear design
The open-ear design, powered by bone conduction technology, allows you to hear your surrounding sounds clearly and provide bud-free, comfortable listening, and also a perfect partner for listening to audiobooks.
Bone conduction technology
Enjoy hours of music without damaging your ears. It features bone conduction technology that creates vibrations to transmit sound through the bones of your face (jawbones and cheekbones) directly to the inner ear.
IPX5 waterproof
The nano-coating inside the headset can easily resist sweat and rain, making the Padmate S30 an ideal choice for outdoor sports, running, jogging, hiking, MTB, cycling. (Not intended for swimming)
Battery LIfe
With 150 mAh of polymer battery and easy commands such as play, skip, pause, and back-a-track, you can enjoy music, calls, audiobooks, and podcasts all day long. 6 hours battery life at max volume, more than 8 hours batter life at 50% volume. 150 hours standby time this pretty much came true for real life use during my testing. There is no volume controls present but this is not a huge deal.
Sound
They sound fairly decent overall however there is no access to their app as yet hopefully this changes down the road to give you their full app experience as it is one of the best ones out there but users will be fine with the volume and soundstage from the device, highs lows and mids are find direction is good and so on, being different from your traditional earbuds/headphones one might feel off put but don’t be.
Fit
Designed for athletes and more these wireless headphones stay put for all-day listening while keeping you motivated and aware of your surroundings.
With up to 10m of range, you will never have to reach your device again and again. It effortlessly connects with smartphones, tablets and other Bluetooth-enabled devices in no time
Features and FAQ
CAN OTHERS HEAR YOUR MUSIC?
No. Padmate S30 sends vibrations into your inner ear through bone conduction technology, leaving your ears open to your surroundings while still providing a private listening experience.
DOES PADMATE S30 COME IN DIFFERENT SIZES?
No, Padmate S30 will come in one standard size.
CAN I SKIP SONGS WITH PADMATE S30?
Yes, pressing 3 times on the “Power off” Button to play next song , pressing 4 times on the “-” button to play the previous song.
CAN I USE SIRI/GOOGLE ASSISTANT/ALEXA WITH MY PADMATED S30?
After connected with devices, you can activate voice assistant (such as Siri, etc.) by pressing 2 times on the “Power off” Button.
CAN PADMATE S30 BE USED TO TAKE CALLS?
Yes, Padmate S30 has two microphones for phone calls.
DOES PADMATE S30 COME WITH A WARRANTY?
Yes, Padmate S30 comes with a one-year warranty that covers manufacturer defects. The warranty does not cover misuse of the product, loss or theft.
BenQ, the global leading brand for projectors, launched the X3000i, bringing the finest ever audio–visual performance to a grand projected scale. Gaming scenes are delivered with 100% DCI-P3 wide colorgamut coverage powered by BenQ’s exclusive CinematicColor™ technology. This is paired withthe enveloping treVolo sound system and input lag as low as 4ms, allowing gamers to traverse to open-world games imbued with live realism.
For a truly immersive gaming experience, the X3000i draws gamers deeply into the plot of the game with authentic colors balanced withtrue 4K UHD, high 3000 ANSI Lumens visual brightness,crisp 500,000:1 super high contrast with Dynamic Black algorithms,3D readiness, and projector-optimized HDR with HDR10 / HLG support ensuring futureproof visual performance, while the 4LED light source with auto color calibration guarantees years of gaming enjoyment. Furthermore, all of this is combined with the lag-free control that comes from the 4ms response time at 240Hz frame rate.
Adding to the visuals with audio enhancement,the X3000i fully envelopes players in two powerful 5W stereo speakers that are tuned by BenQ’streVolo audio team and enhanced by Bongiovi DSP(Digital Signal Processor)with Dynamic Stereo Enhancement,offeringaural details with more surrounded, three-dimensional game sounds.Audio can be output to an external sound system via HDMI eARCfor the ultimate cinematic experience.
The realness of all interactions can be further discoveredthrough role playing, first-person shooter, and sports games as the X3000i is equipped with specially-designed preset game modes. The depth, clarity, definition, and presence of the surrounding deep bass background music, approaching footsteps and clear vocals are emphasized respectively, revealingthe true colorsthe games originally intended to display. Thesecarefully calibrated settings are also applicable in projector models such as the TK700STi and TK700, complementing a full projector lineup that’s dedicated to gaming.
Styled in dynamic design to complement any game room and setup flexibility of 1.3x zoom, 2D keystone, and advanced AV connectivity, the X3000i’s 4LED light source provides over 30,000 hours or 10+ years of vibrant colors and gorgeous gaming quality without the need for lamp replacement.Console gamers who play for hours on endcan carefully explore their adventuresand show the world who they aspire to be with ease.
The X3000i is available in March. For more information, please visit theX3000i product page or the BenQ Gaming Projector website.
ST Engineering, Sumitomo Corporation and Skyports today announced the formation of a consortium to provide Unmanned Aircraft (UA) services for heavy-lift shore-to-ship parcel delivery in Singapore.
Each consortium member will exploit their respective operational and technological capabilities to expand the use of autonomous UA for the deliveries of maritime essentials to vessels at anchorage. During a nine-month pilot programme, the consortium will engage key customers for maritime UA deliveries, with the goal of establishing a UA delivery network capable of carrying parcel payloads of 10kg.
ST Engineering will provide the UA technology using its end-to-end solution – DroNet; Skyports will jointly conduct the Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight operations with ST Engineering; while Sumitomo Corporation will provide go-to-market support, including their own fleet of vessels.
As a leading unmanned systems participant in Singapore, ST Engineering has been testing and developing autonomous solutions to enable BVLOS UA operations for shore-to-ship delivery in close collaboration with regulators and industry partners. Through funding support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’ (CAAS) Call-for-Proposals, the Group recently completed the initial development of an UA system for shore-to-ship parcel delivery based on its in-house DroNet solution.
Compared to the traditional form of delivery by boats, UA operations can significantly slash response time and speed up turnaround for shore-to-ship delivery, in addition to reducing logistics costs. Replacing launch boat delivery with UA also helps to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the maritime industry’s overall efforts to operate sustainably.
Sanjay Suresh, Head of Business Development & Operations APAC at Skyports, said, “As home to one of the busiest ports in the world, Singapore is the ideal setting in which to demonstrate to customers the potential for unmanned aircraft to transform maritime logistics by moving essential supplies such as heavy shipping components and tools in a more cost-effective and sustainable way. Together with ST Engineering and Sumitomo Corporation, Skyports is excited to play a key role with our expertise in BVLOS unmanned aircraft operations in the continued expansion of our collective capabilities in the maritime sector.”
Teong Soo Soon, VP & Head of UA Systems at ST Engineering, said, “UA Systems have evolved rapidly in recent years to emerge as safe and robust alternatives to traditionally labour- and time-intensive missions. We are excited to be partnering Sumitomo Corporation and Skyports in the pilot launch of unmanned services for shore-to-ship parcel delivery after spending close to two years of R&D efforts to develop the solution. We look forward to being a strong enabler for customers which wish to leverage unmanned technology to inject higher efficiency and sustainability into their operations.”
Ichiro Tatara, GM, Commercial Aviation Department at Sumitomo, said, “UA systems are a potential infrastructure enabling sustainable transportation. We are very excited to launch a pilot programme for shore-to-ship parcel delivery together with ST Engineering and Skyports, and we believe this partnering is a great team and provides sustainable and efficient service to vessels in Singapore.”
ST Engineering is showcasing its UA systems and other aerospace capabilities at the Aviation cluster of the ST Engineering Pavilion (G01) from 15 – 18 February at Singapore Airshow 2022.
The Citroën e-Dispatch / Opel Vivaro-e / Peugeot e-Expert, an electrified joint collaboration of the three companies, has been voted Continental Tyres Irish Van of the Year for 2022.
The award is voted upon by a jury of Ireland’s most experienced van journalists and was announced at the 2022 Irish Car and Van of the Year awards ceremony which took place at The Aviva Stadium on Friday February 11.
EVs were very much to the fore at the awards event as, in addition to electric models taking the main trophy in the Van of the Year contest, the full electric Kia EV6 won the top award in the Irish Car of the Year competition.
Pictured at the presentation of the award with the winning vans were (l to r): Colin Sheridan, MD of Citroën Ireland; James Brooks, MD of Opel Ireland; Tom Dennigan of awards sponsor Continental Tyres; Cathal Doyle and Anthony Conlon, Joint Chairmen of the Irish Car and Van of the Year Committee; and Stephen McGrath, Head of Product and Pricing with Peugeot and DS Automobiles.
HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announces a pair of resilient new Nokia G-series smartphones, the Nokia G11 and Nokia G21. Legacy Nokia phones were famed for their robust battery lives, and the new affordable Android smartphones are no exception with an impressive three-day battery life and new Super Battery Saver mode, as well as category-leading security updates.
Florian Seiche, CEO at HMD Global:“We continue to push boundaries in the mid-range segment providing affordable, secure and competitive technology for all. I am delighted to unveil two new heroes from our heartland G-series, the Nokia G11 and Nokia G21.The two devices epitomise the durability and long-lasting battery life qualities Nokia phones became famous for all those years ago. This combined with the best of Android software, and more security updates than the competition within this price category, cements our vision for 2022 and beyond – as we continue to build phones that last for longer.”
Unrivalled protection for mobile technology that lasts for longer
Twice as many security updates as competition to help keep important data protected – the Nokia G11 and Nokia G21 will work seamlessly in the background to protect you so that you can go about your day worry-free.
Introducing Mask mode to affordable smartphones – available on G-series for the first, it ensures the convenience of face unlock is never disrupted. Keep your data safe with or without a protective face mask.
Ready for Android 12, so you always have access to the latest features and have a smartphone that you can keep for longer.
Supported by industry-leading partners for best-in-class experiences, the Nokia G11 and Nokia G21 come pre-loaded with Spotify and ExpressVPN. Spotify also gives Nokia smartphone owners access to 70 million tracks and 3.2 million podcasts out of the box.[iii] For enhanced privacy and added peace of mind, ExpressVPN is now available on all new Nokia smartphones with a 30-day free trial.
Nokia G21
Long-lasting battery life so you can stay connected all-day
The impressive three-day battery life is perfect for those who want to go about their day without worrying about how much battery they have left. Whether its capturing memories with the family, or watching all your favourite shows, staying connected all day is made easy with the new Nokia G11 and Nokia G21.
Turn on the all-new Super Battery Saver mode to extend your battery life even further – you can even choose where exactly the energy savings are made, so you can still access key features that are needed. Nokia G11 and Nokia G21 also allow for this feature to be switched on at any time.
Fast response for increased productivity
Unlocking the power of 90Hz for the first time in G-series, the improved refresh rate makes scrolling and typing even more fluid, and photos look smoother.
Breath-taking photography with Nokia G21
The versatile triple-lens cameras will fully equip anyone to create professional-looking photography, delivering beautiful detail even in low light. On the front, AI smarts ensure your evening selfies will have just the right amount of light and clarity. Also, with AI Super Resolution, the new handsets elevate the zoom quality of your shots for a striking result.
New design, same Finnish durability
Introducing an all-new design, the Nokia G11 and Nokia G21 are thinner and more ergonomic. Made from tough polycarbonate, the new design honours the durability and Nordic excellence you’d expect from a Nokia phone whilst bringing a refreshed look to the range.
For extra peace of mind, the Clear Case is available for both phones, will show off your phone’s beauty. It’s made from recycled materials and can also be recycled after use.
Nokia G11
Plant 10 trees via Ecologi for every Nokia G21 or Nokia G11 purchased
Customers buying the Nokia G21 or Nokia G11 will be given the gift to plant 10 trees via Ecologi. As a first target milestone, HMD Global has committed to facilitating the planting of 1,000,000 trees. Amounting to 308,000 tonnes of carbon avoided over 25 years, the combined effort from customers will be equivalent to over 700 million miles driven in a car or 37,465,935,100 smartphones charged.
Elliot Coad, co-founder & CEO Ecologi: “We are excited to play a part in giving Nokia phone owners the power to plant a million trees. This unique redemption mechanism allows people to redeem and see their own trees, making climate action tangible and personal.”
Pricing and availability
Nokia G21 is available in Ireland starting today in Nordic Blue (navy) and Dusk (dark taupe) in 4/64 GB for €179.99
Nokia G11 is available in Ireland mid-March in Charcoal (dark grey/ black) and Ice (white/blue) in 3/32 GB for €139.99
The Nokia G21/G11 Clear Case is available on Nokia.com/phones for €29.99 (customers can get the case free for the first four weeks when they buy on https://www.nokia.com/phones/en_ie/nokia-g-21)
Unlike the classic Jules Verne science fiction novel Journey to the Center of the Earth or movie The Core, humans cannot venture into the Earth’s interior beyond a few kilometres of its surface. But thanks to latest advances in computer modelling, an international team of researchers led by the University of Bristol has shed new light on the properties and behaviour of magma found several hundreds of kilometres deep within the Earth.
The study showed water-rich (hydrous) magmas (extremely hot liquid rocks) formed in the Earth’s mantle – the layer beneath its crust – are more buoyant and fluid than previously believed. This discovery allows us to predict how and where hydrous magmas move within Earth’s interior, which means the amount of water in these realms can be more reliably predicted, furthering understanding of the deep Earth water cycle.
Lead author Dr James Drewitt, Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol, said: “It’s really exciting to be able to explore the nature and properties of magma hundreds of kilometres beneath our feet. Although previous knowledge is limited, it was widely thought these water-rich molten rocks, called hydrous magma, would be denser than the solid rock above them and so would form vast pools of magma at depths close to 400km.
“However, we were not convinced by this theory, as it relies on chemical compositions which are unrepresentative of natural magmas, as known from high-pressure laboratory experiments. We wanted to determine the properties of hydrous magmas to model their behaviour, how they flow and where they go after forming in the deep mantle, to provide more accurate insight into the deep Earth water cycle, which is tightly connected to Earth’s habitability.”
The researchers used ARCHER, the UK’s national supercomputing service, to simulate the physical properties of magma at the extreme conditions on the boundary of Earth’s upper and lower mantle at temperatures up to 1600°C and 250,000 times atmospheric pressure. This region, at depths of 410-660km, is known as the transition zone and contains solid rocks capable of storing several ocean’s worth of water.
The high water content means rocks just above and below the transition zone will melt at a lower temperature than elsewhere in the Earth’s mantle, resulting in the formation of water-rich or ‘hydrous’ magmas. Their physical properties, including density and viscosity – in other words how freely they flow – have been shrouded in mystery, so little was known about how they behave and where they ultimately go.
Dr Drewitt said: “Using advanced computational techniques to model hydrous magmas down to the atomic-scale, we discovered natural hydrous magmas will be more buoyant and fluid than expected, and will therefore rise through the upper mantle towards the surface, rather like the wax rising in a lava lamp.
“By incorporating these findings into global mantle circulation models, we found that over geological timescales water in hydrous magmas was transported from the lower and mid-mantle towards the upper mantle, resulting in a similar mass of water found in all Earth’s oceans combined evenly distributed throughout the mantle of the present-day Earth.”
The three-year-long study, funded by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council, involved physicists and Earth scientists from universities in the UK, United States, and China.
Paper
‘Hydrous silicate melts and the deep mantle H2O cycle’ by James Drewitt et al in Earth and Planetary Science Letters’
