Researchers studying decades of earthquake data say they have found the first evidence that, in addition to spinning backward, Earth’s inner core in changing shape.

Not only is Earth’s inner core spinning and growing, but it’s also changing shape, according to new research. Our planet’s […]

Seismic wave data previously suggested the Earth’s hot inner core is slowing its spin. Now, researchers say it’s also deforming around the edges

Earth’s core is transforming, which could affect the length of our 24-hour day, Earth’s magnetic field, and more

Scientists of course cannot cut into Earth and directly observe its insides. Instead, their knowledge is inferred from the vibrations generated by earthquakes that pass through the planet. The speed and the direction of the seismic vibrations change depending on the density and the elasticity of the rocks.

Scientists found that the inner core’s structure changes as it rotates. It deforms at its border, potentially accumulating more material in some areas and less in others — almost like creating hills and valleys.

Earth’s core is located below the middle layer called the mantle and the outer layer –or crust. It consists of two main parts–a liquid outer core and a more solid inner core. The outer layer is made of liquid iron-nickel and is responsible for producing Earth’s magnetic field.

However, researchers from the University of Southern Carolina (USC) now say they discovered — almost by accident — that the Earth's inner core may be much more malleable. John