London, 11 Feb (ONA) – A recent study suggests that Earth’s inner core may have undergone shape changes over the past two decades, offering new insights into the mysterious dynamics of our planet’s deep interior.
According to Prof. John Vidale, who led the research, the inner core—typically assumed to be a perfect sphere—may have deformed at its edges by over 100 meters in certain areas. These findings, published in Nature Geoscience, contribute to ongoing efforts to understand the inner workings of Earth’s magnetic field, which is essential for shielding life from harmful solar radiation.
Why the Inner Core Matters
The inner core, composed mainly of solid iron and nickel, is situated about 4,000 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. It spins independently of the outer core and the rest of the planet. This motion plays a vital role in generating Earth’s magnetic field, which protects the planet from solar winds and cosmic radiation.
Scientists believe that without this magnetic shield, Earth could become as barren as Mars, which lost its protective field billions of years ago. Any changes in the inner core’s structure or rotation could potentially impact the planet’s magnetic stability in the long run.
Tracking Changes Deep Beneath Our Feet
Since direct exploration of the core is impossible, scientists rely on seismic waves from earthquakes to study what lies beneath. By analyzing how these waves travel through different layers of the Earth, researchers can infer details about the composition, movement, and structure of the core.
The latest study examined seismic wave data from earthquakes that occurred repeatedly in the same location between 1991 and 2023. This analysis provided fresh evidence suggesting that the inner core’s rotation slowed down around 2010 before picking up speed again—an observation that has intrigued scientists for years.
Possible Causes of the Shape Change
The study indicates that deformations in the inner core may be occurring at the boundary where it meets the superheated liquid outer core. Several factors could be responsible for this phenomenon, including:
- The flow of molten iron in the outer core, which may exert uneven pressure on the inner core’s surface.
- Gravitational pull variations, which could be causing certain areas of the inner core to compress or expand.
- The fact that the inner core is close to its melting point, making it more susceptible to shape changes over time.
Implications for the Future
Prof. Hrvoje Tkalcic from Australian National University, who was not directly involved in the study, stated that this research introduces an “intriguing concept” that could improve estimates of crucial but little-known properties, such as the viscosity of the inner core.
Although the liquid outer core is continuously freezing into the solid inner core, this process will take billions of years to complete. By that time, Earth may no longer be habitable, or the Sun itself may have expanded, potentially engulfing the planet.
Prof. Vidale and other experts worldwide continue to explore and debate what truly happens deep within the Earth’s core, as these findings could have long-term implications for the planet’s geophysical stability.
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