Earth’s Core May Have Changed Shape, Scientists Say

Researchers suggest that Earth’s inner core may have undergone shape changes over the past 20 years. Traditionally considered spherical, this structure may have experienced deformations of up to 100 meters in certain regions, according to a study led by Professor John Vidale.

The Earth’s core is a fundamental component for maintaining life on the planet, as it generates the magnetic field that protects us from solar radiation. Composed of a solid inner part and a liquid outer layer, it rotates independently of the rest of the Earth. The shape change is believed to be occurring at the interface between the solid core and the extremely hot liquid metallic layer surrounding it.

The study was published in the scientific journal Nature Geoscience and emerged from an attempt to understand why the inner core slowed down relative to Earth’s rotation before accelerating again in 2010. Understanding this process is essential for assessing the behavior of the magnetic field and whether there are risks of its weakening in the future.

Exploring the planet’s depths remains a significant challenge, as the core is approximately 6,400 kilometers beneath the surface and remains inaccessible to scientists. To investigate this mysterious environment, researchers analyze seismic waves generated by earthquakes and how they travel through Earth’s different layers. These waves help to create a more detailed picture of the planet’s internal structure.

In this new study, scientists examined seismic records from earthquakes that occurred repeatedly between 1991 and 2023. The observed patterns confirmed that the inner core has undergone changes over time. Professor Vidale, a geologist at the University of Southern California, found evidence supporting the hypothesis that the inner core’s slowdown occurred around 2010, contributing to a better understanding of this still enigmatic phenomenon.

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