Although it is commonly considered to have a spherical form, the inner nucleus of the Earth would have suffered a change of form in the last two decades, say scientists.
Changes would be related to the rotation of the shutterstock photo shutters
A new study, published in the scientific journal Nature Geoscience and quoted by the BBC, suggests that the inner nucleus of our planet would have undergone shape changes in the last two decades. The researchers found that its edges could be deformed by over 100 meters, a phenomenon that could be related to its rotation and to the interaction with the liquid outer nucleus.
The nucleus of the earth is essential for the existence of life on the planet, because it generates the magnetic field that protects us from solar radiation. This solid inner nucleus rotates independently of its liquid outer coating and the rest of the planet. Without this movement, the Earth would become similar to Mars, which has lost its magnetic field billions.
The modification of the nucleus shape could take place on the border between the solid inner nucleus and the liquid outer nucleus, extremely hot. The researchers analyzed seismic where repeated earthquakes between 1991 and 2023 to observe these changes.
The Vidale Professor, an expert in the Earth’s sciences at the University of South California, claims that the data provides additional evidence that the inner nucleus has slowed its rotation around 2010. This phenomenon could be caused by the liquid metal flow from the outer nucleus and an non -uniform gravitational field.
Understanding the mechanisms of the nucleus is essential to decipher the evolution of the Earth’s magnetic field and to anticipate its possible changes. Professor Hrvoje Tkalcic from the Australian National University, who was not involved in the study, described the research as “An interesting concept worth exploring further”. He stressed that the discovery could help to estimate the viscosity of the inner nucleus, one of the least known properties in modern science.
Over time, the liquid outer nucleus continues to freeze, turning into a solid core, but this process will take billions of years. When the nucleus becomes completely solid, the magnetic field could disappear, which would mean the end of life on earth. However, until then, the planet will probably be absorbed by the sun.
The Vidale teacher emphasizes that, although these discoveries are important, they do not affect the daily life. “In science, we try to analyze things until we understand them. There is no evidence that the nucleus of the earth will stop rotating soon. “
Detected changes could be related to the fluctuations of the magnetic field observed in recent decades. “The magnetic field has had various variations in the past, and we want to know if they are related to what is happening on the border of the inner nucleus”Explains Vidale.
However, uncertainties remain: “We are not 100% sure to interpret these changes correctly”Reacons the teacher, emphasizing that science is a constantly evolving field.
