Scientists have found evidence suggesting that Earth’s inner core has changed shape over the past 20 years.
Traditionally thought to be spherical, the inner core’s edges may have deformed by over 100 meters, according to Prof. John Vidale from the University of Southern California.
The inner core, which generates Earth’s protective magnetic field, spins independently from the planetโs outer layers.
Recent seismic wave analysis from earthquakes between 1991 and 2023 indicates that it slowed down around 2010 before speeding up again.
Researchers believe the shape change is occurring at the boundary between the solid inner core and the liquid outer core, where extreme heat and uneven gravity may be causing deformation.
While the study, published in Nature Geoscience, raises questions about Earth’s magnetic field, Prof. Vidale cautions against overhyping the findings. “This likely has no impact on daily life, but understanding Earth’s core is crucial to understanding our planet,” he said.
