Earth's core is transforming, which could affect the length of our 24-hour day, Earth’s magnetic field and more

Researchers studying decades of earthquake data say they have found the first evidence that, in addition to spinning backward, Earth’s inner core in changing shape.

At the center of our planet is a very hot rotating ball of mostly iron and nickel (sorry Journey to the Center of the Earth fans). Scientists infer features of this innermost geographic layer—like the fact that it’s divided into a liquid outer core and a solid inner core—by analyzing how it distorts seismic waves caused by earthquakes.

Scientists of course cannot cut into Earth and directly observe its insides. Instead, their knowledge is inferred from the vibrations generated by earthquakes that pass through the planet. The speed and the direction of the seismic vibrations change depending on the density and the elasticity of the rocks.

Changes to the inner core has long been a topic of debate for scientists. The post Study claims Earth’s inner core less solid than previously thought appeared first on Talker.

A new study has found evidence that the Earth's inner core may have changed shape. Far from taking place over geological timescales, the changes appear to have taken place within the last two decades.

USC scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about the nature of the Earth's enigmatic inner core, revealing for the first time that this 1,500-mile-wide ball of iron and nickel is changing.

Scientists found that the inner core’s structure changes as it rotates. It deforms at its border, potentially accumulating more material in some areas and less in others — almost like creating hills and valleys.

A new, detailed probe of Earth's heart reveals that the rotating inner core doesn't just change in rotation speed – it also appears to change in shape, with subtle variations appearing in the way acoustic waves propagate through the planetary center.