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12 February – The Earth’s inner core may have changed its shape over the past 20 years, which may have implications for the future of our planet. This is stated in a study by Professor John Vidale of the University of Southern California, published in Nature Geoscience, as reported by the BBC.
What exactly has changed?
According to scientists, in some places, the inner core sphere deformed by more than 100 metres. These changes occur where the solid inner core comes into contact with the hot liquid outer core.
The inner core, composed mainly of iron and nickel, rotates independently of the rest of the Earth. This rotation plays a key role in generating the magnetic field that protects the planet from solar radiation. Without it, the Earth could lose its atmosphere, as happened to Mars.
Why is this important?
The scientists tried to explain why the core slowed down in 2010 and then started spinning faster again. They studied seismic waves from earthquakes that occurred in the same places from 1991 to 2023.
The data obtained not only confirmed the core deceleration, but also recorded its deformation. It is likely to be caused by liquid metal flows in the outer core, as well as the Earth’s uneven gravitational field.
Is there a threat to humanity?
Scientists emphasise that these changes do not have an immediate impact on life on the Earth’s surface, but they help to better understand the evolution of the magnetic field. If it begins to weaken, this could have serious consequences for the climate and radiation protection of the planet.
Professor Hrvoje Tkalčić from the Australian National University, who was not involved in the study, believes that these results could help to better assess the properties of the inner core, in particular its viscosity, which remains poorly understood.
What’s next?
Scientists note that the inner core is gradually growing as the liquid outer core slowly freezes. However, it will take billions of years for the core to fully solidify, and by then the Earth will likely be swallowed by the Sun.
Professor Vidale urges not to draw premature conclusions:
“We still have a lot of questions. We don’t know how accurately we can interpret these changes, but our understanding of the kernel is constantly improving.”
Although this discovery will not change our daily lives, it brings humanity closer to unravelling the deepest secrets of our planet.
