Why Has Earth’s Inner Core Slowed Down?

Recent studies from the University of Southern California show that the Earth’s inner core has slowed down a lot. Historically, the Earth’s inner core has been known for having a high spinning speed that is separate from the planet’s outer layers. Scientists call this change leaving what they call the “super-rotation” phase the first time the core has slowed down in decades.

What is the Inner Core?

A solid iron sphere makes up the Earth’s deep core, which is about 3,000 miles below the surface. It spins without affecting Earth’s mantle or crust, and sometimes it spins faster than the planet’s total speed. “Super-rotation” is the name for this phase of faster turning.

The Shift from Super-Rotation to Sub-Rotation

The Earth’s core has been known to go through stages of super-rotation and sub-rotation in the past. Seismograph data from 2008 to 2023 showed that the inner core has now moved into a sub-rotational phase after a time of super-rotation. This is an important discovery. This shows that the core’s rotational behavior follows a pattern or cycle, but the reasons for these changes are still being looked into.

Implications of the Slowdown

Because it makes the planet’s magnetic field, the inner core’s slowing down could affect geological and geomagnetic events on Earth. Scientists are guessing about what might happen to Earth’s magnetic properties and how they might affect natural processes or conditions on the surface because of this link.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2024

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs