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2mo ago

Scientists Detect Shape Changes in Earth's Inner Core Using Seismic Waves

New research reveals Earth's inner core is not only altering its rotation but also deforming, offering fresh insights into the planet's dynamic interior.

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A wealth of new information about Earth’s inner core has surfaced in recent months. Scientists now have evidence that the planet’s innermost layer is changing shape.
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Earth's Inner Core Appears To Have Changed Shape In The Last Two Decades

Overview

  • Earth's inner core, a solid metal sphere, has shown evidence of shape changes over the past two decades, according to a study published in Nature Geoscience.
  • The research builds on prior findings that the core's rotation slowed and reversed direction relative to Earth's surface around 2010.
  • Seismic waves from earthquakes were used to detect deformations in the core's surface, suggesting it may be more malleable near its boundary with the liquid outer core.
  • Scientists propose that interactions with the outer core's flow or density variations in Earth's mantle may be driving these deformations.
  • These findings could improve understanding of Earth's magnetosphere, which is powered by the core's dynamics and protects the planet from harmful solar radiation.