Evidence of a new layer in the Earth’s deep core is discovered by scientists

The Earth‘s center is still a topic of ongoing research. The Australian National University (ANU) has a team that has discovered proof that the planet’s inner core has a new layer. The iron-nickel alloy ball that makes up the “innermost inner core” represents a “fossilized record” of Earth’s prehistoric past, according to professor Hrvoje Tkali. Science has previously only identified four levels (crust, mantle, outer core and inner core).

Seismic waves that bounced back and forth across the Earth’s full circumference up to five times were studied by scientists in order to locate the “hidden” core; earlier research had only focused on single bounces. The angles at which the seismic waves probed regions close to the core showed a distinct crystalline structure within the innermost layer. In actuality, the alloy is distorting the wave travel times as they pass through.

According to the primary author Thanh-Son Phm, the discoveries provide fresh avenues for investigating the inner core. ANU also thinks the planet’s deepest core has clues about an important historical event that affected the planet‘s heart. It could also aid in explaining how the Earth’s magnetic field was created, according to academics who spoke with The Washington Post. Since it protects the Earth from dangerous radiation and prevents water from floating into space, the field is essential to maintaining life on Earth.

These perceptions could be useful in research into distant planets. Because of the loss of its magnetic field, which occurred around four billion years ago, Mars is thought to be a barren planet with no defense against solar winds and dust storms that would otherwise sweep away its atmosphere and seas. Meanwhile, exoplanet explorers might utilize the information to look for habitable planets. Although it is not a surefire sign of sustainability, the existence of an Earth-like core structure may help in the selection of suitable planets.