Earth's core is leaking an isotope that can produce a year's electricity from just 100 kg, finds a study

Scientists have made a surprising discovery about the Earth's core, which questions what we previously believed about its isolated nature. A new study focused on lava flows on Baffin Island in the Arctic Archipelago, dating back 62 million years, has uncovered unusually high levels of helium-3 (³He), a rare isotope linked to the inner workings of our planet. This finding suggests that the Earth's core might be leaking helium-3, indicating a higher level of activity deep within our planet.

The study found remarkably elevated levels of ³He in the olivine rocks found in Baffin Island's lava. The Earth's mantle, which is responsible for bringing lava to the surface and consuming parts of the crust, is not a static entity. Over time, some of the ³He contained within the planet has gradually escaped. However, scientists have set a limit for the amount of ³He that can be present in rocks derived from the mantle. When this limit is exceeded, it indicates an alternative source. In this case, it suggests that the rock with excessive ³He may originate from deeper within the Earth, possibly the core itself.

This discovery challenges the traditional understanding that the core and outer layers of the Earth, including the mantle and crust, are separate in terms of their chemical composition, with minimal exchange of materials. The findings support the idea that materials, especially helium, may be leaking out of the Earth's core, potentially reshaping our understanding of how our planet operates internally.


Helium-3 is a non-radioactive isotope that is an ideal fuel for the operation of a fusion reactor. The fusion of helium‑3 with deuterium does not produce neutrons. Scientists estimate that 100 kg of Helium-3 constitutes more than enough fuel to potentially power a 1000 megawatt electric plant for a year when fused with deuterium.