The Mystery of Earth's Slowing Core

Earth's core, a ball of iron and nickel that is at the deepest part of the planet, has a role that is very important for life on Earth. Geophysics has always believed that the core was rotating faster than the surface of Earth, but scientists have made a discovery that has changed everything: Earth's core has slowed down, and it has even changed its direction. The discovery is a big step in geophysics, as it has given us new information about our own planet.

How Did Scientists Make the Discovery?

Scientists have used seismology to make the discovery. Seismology is the science that studies the waves that are caused by earthquakes. Scientists have analyzed the seismic waves from earthquakes that have happened in the last 60 years. They have found that the waves that have passed through the core have had a change in speed. The change in speed has proven that the internal rotation of the core has slowed down. Scientists believe that the rotation of the core is a process that has a cycle of 70 years, and that it can change its direction.

Why Is the Core Slowing Down?

Scientists believe that the core slowdown is caused by Earth's magnetic field. The magnetic field is created by the movement of the liquid core. The rotation of Earth's inner core is influenced by the magnetic field, and it can slow down when the magnetic field changes. Scientists believe that the core slowdown is proof that the magnetic field is always in constant evolution. Earth's magnetic field has a role that is very important for life, as it protects us from the radiation of the sun.

The Implications of the Internal Rotation

The discovery that Earth's core is slowing down has big implications for geophysics. It has a link with the changes that are on the surface of Earth, such as the changes in the length of days. Scientists believe that the change in the speed of the core has an impact on the changes that are on the surface. The discovery is also a big step for our understanding of Earth's magnetic field and its evolution. The discovery has made us understand that Earth is a planet that is always in motion, even if we do not realize it.