Earth's solid-metal inner core is a key component of the planet, helping to give rise to the magnetic field that protects us from harmful space radiation, but its remoteness from the planet's surface means that there is much we don't know about what goes on down there.May 13, 2013
What is the function of the inner core of the Earth?
Earth's core is important for three main reasons: (1) it is responsible for the generation of Earth's magnetic field; (2) it contains information regarding the earliest history of accretion of the planet; and (3) thermal and compositional features established when the core formed have largely controlled the subsequent …
How does the inner core affect the Earth?
The inner core is also believed to be moving at a different rate than the outer core. These swirling convection currents result in the earth's magnetic field which keeps us properly oriented for travel, and shields earth from deadly cosmic rays.
What are 5 facts about the inner core?
5 Facts About the Earth's Inner Core
- It's Almost The Size of the Moon. The Earth's inner core is surprisingly large, measuring 2,440 km (1,516 miles) across. …
- It's Hot…Really Hot. …
- It's Mostly Made of Iron. …
- It Spins Faster Than the Surface of the Earth. …
- It Creates a Magnetic Field.
Apr 20, 2018
What does the outer core do?
The outer core is responsible for Earth's magnetic field. As Earth spins on its axis, the iron inside the liquid outer core moves around. The movement causes powerful electric currents to develop in the liquid iron itself.
What does inner core mean in science?
(planetology) The solid material found in the centre of some planets at extremely high temperature and pressure, distinct from the liquid outer core. (geology) The innermost part of the Earth, believed to be made of a nickel-iron alloy.
Is inner core solid or liquid?
Scientists discover the Earth's inner core isn't solid or liquid. It's 'superionic. ' The structure of Earth's core could be unlike any other state of matter, researchers have found.
What might happen to Earth if the inner core melts?
The Earth's core is cooling down very slowly over time. One day, when the core has completely cooled and become solid, it will have a huge impact on the whole planet. Scientists think that when that happens, Earth might be a bit like Mars, with a very thin atmosphere and no more volcanoes or earthquakes.
Why is the inner core solid for kids?
The Earth's inner core is a huge metal ball, 2,500km wide. Made mainly of iron, the temperature of the ball is 5,000°C to 6,000°C – that's up to 6,000 times hotter than our atmosphere and scorching enough to make metal melt! The metal at the inner core stays solid because of the incredible pressure surrounding it.
Is inner core a solid or liquid?
solid Earth's inner core is the innermost geologic layer of planet Earth. It is primarily a solid ball with a radius of about 1,220 km (760 mi), which is about 20% of Earth's radius or 70% of the Moon's radius.