There may be hidden layers to Earth’s core dictated by chemical composition. In A Nutshell Lab experiments suggest Earth’s ...

The Earth’s inner core, predominantly composed of iron with a minor admixture of nickel and light elements, is a critical component in understanding our planet’s magnetic field and thermal evolution.

This composition resembles models proposed for the inner core. The anisotropy displayed by hcp–Fe–2Si–0.4C at core conditions aligns well with the anisotropy reported by seismic studies for the outer ...

Deep beneath our feet, far beyond the reach of any drill, new research suggests that Earth’s center is far more intricate than a simple metal ball. Instead of a single solid sphere, the inner core ...

Cartoon of the Earth with cutaway showing the mantle and inner and outer core. Magnetic field lines produced by the geodynamo extend into space and interact with the solar wind. The iron-rich core at ...

Earth’s inner core has long puzzled scientists because seismic waves move through it unevenly. Compressional waves from earthquakes travel about 3 to 4 percent faster along the planet’s rotation axis ...

Earth cross section showing the classic distinction between crust, mantle and core. But new research shows Earth's structure is far more complicated and may change over time. Analyzing an unusual ...