Researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) found evidence of a new layer to Earth within the inner core, according to Engadget. The inner core is an iron-nickel alloy ball that is a fossilized record of the ancient history of our planet. However, science only had recognized four layers.
The team believes that this new layer is a result of the Earth's cooling process that occurred billions of years ago. They suggest that the new layer is made up of a combination of iron and sulfur, which would explain why it is liquid at such high temperatures.
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The Hidden Core
The researchers came to discover the hidden core by studying seismic waves that traveled back and forth across the Earth's diameter up to five times. The waves probed places near the center at angles that suggested a different crystalline structure inside the innermost layer. Effectively, the allow is skewing the travel times for the waves as they pass through.
The new findings paved the way to new ways to investigate the inner core. Researchers believe that the inner core will have something to do with a major event in the Earth's past that had a significant impact on the heart of the planet.
The Washington Post also reported that it would have something to do with the magnetic field of the planet as well. Earth's magnetic field plays a significant role in supporting life as it protects the Earth from harmful radiation and keeps water from drifting into space.
Additionally, the insights may also help researchers and scientists study other worlds. For example, Mars is believed to be a barren planet because t doesn't have magnetic field that doesn't protect it from solar winds and dust storms.
On the other hand, exoplanet hunters can use the information to search for habitable worlds. The findings may also help in the development of new technologies. For instance, the magnetic field of the Earth is currently used to generate electricity and power the electrical grid. The new insights may help in the development of new ways to generate electricity and power even more efficiently.
Moreover, the insights may also help in the development of new materials and devices. By understanding how the Earth's inner core works, scientists may be able to develop materials that are more durable and resilient. This could be used in the development of new space exploration technologies and other advanced technologies.
Overall, the new findings on the Earth's inner core have the potential to be revolutionary. It can lead to a better understanding of our planet and help us explore other worlds. It can also help in the development of new technologies and materials that can make our lives better.
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