Researchers at the University of Southern California have discovered that the Earth’s inner core is not solid as previously believed, but rather changing shape and moving over time. The study, which analyzed seismic data from 1991 to 2024, found that the molten outer core was causing the inner core to move faster and then slower than the rest of the planet.
The discovery challenges scientists’ long-held assumption about the Earth’s internal structure. In 2010, the inner core began to show signs of slowing for the first time in recorded history, leading researchers to re-examine their understanding of the planet’s core.
According to John Vidale, lead researcher on the study, “the outer core disturbing the inner core” is likely the cause of the observed changes. The findings suggest that the Earth’s core is not a fixed entity, but rather a dynamic system that is influenced by the movement of the molten outer core.
The discovery sheds new light on the reasons behind the Earth’s lengthening day, which has been steadily increasing over time due to the slowdown of the inner core. Scientists estimate that a day once lasted just 21 hours 600 million years ago, and the findings provide valuable insights into the complex processes that shape our planet.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/researchers-announce-major-discovery-about-earths-inner-core