LONDON SCIENTISTS DISCOVER INNER CORE OF EARTH IS CHANGING SHAPE
In a groundbreaking discovery, a group of scientists has revealed that the inner core of Earth may have undergone a significant change in shape over the past two decades. Led by Prof John Vidale, the researchers found that the inner core, previously believed to be spherical, may have deformed by more than 100m in certain areas.
THE HEART OF OUR PLANET
Earth’s core serves as the beating heart of our planet, generating a magnetic field that shields life from the Sun’s harmful radiation. The inner core rotates independently from the outer core and the rest of Earth, playing a crucial role in maintaining our planet’s habitability.
UNLOCKING EARTH’S SECRETS
The study, published in Nature Geoscience, aimed to understand the reasons behind the inner core’s fluctuating rotation speeds. By analyzing seismic wave patterns from earthquakes between 1991 and 2023, the researchers uncovered evidence of the inner core’s changing shape near the boundary with the outer core.
IMPACT ON EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD
Prof Hrvoje Tkalcic from Australian National University praised the study’s findings, emphasizing the importance of exploring these changes for a better understanding of Earth’s magnetic field. The research could provide insights into crucial material properties, such as the viscosity of the inner core.
THE FUTURE OF EARTH’S CORE
While the inner core continues to freeze and solidify over time, it will be billions of years before the process is complete. Prof Vidale’s work sheds light on ongoing debates among experts about the inner workings of Earth’s core and its potential implications for the planet’s future.
CONCLUSION
As scientists strive to unravel the mysteries of Earth’s core, Prof Vidale urges caution in interpreting the findings and emphasizes the need for further research. While the changes observed may have implications for Earth’s magnetic field, the full extent of their impact remains uncertain.
