👉 The Columbus fluid, also known as the "Columbian fluid" or "Columbus' fluid," is a term used to describe a hypothetical viscous fluid that was speculated to exist in the Earth's mantle, particularly in the region between the upper and lower mantle. This concept arose from the observations of seismic waves traveling through the Earth's interior, which suggested variations in viscosity and composition. The fluid is theorized to be a mixture of silicate minerals and possibly water, giving it a low viscosity that allows it to flow slowly over geological timescales. This fluid plays a crucial role in mantle convection, which drives plate tectonics and influences volcanic activity and the Earth's magnetic field. However, the exact nature and properties of the Columbus fluid remain subjects of ongoing research and debate in geophysics.
