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.

A new study of decades worth of seismogram data shows that the surface of Earth’s iron and nickel core is more malleable than scientists thought.

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.

At the center of our planet is a very hot rotating ball of mostly iron and nickel (sorry Journey to the Center of the Earth fans). Scientists infer features of this innermost geographic layer—like the fact that it’s divided into a liquid outer core and a solid inner core—by analyzing how it distorts seismic waves caused by earthquakes.

Scientists have raised concerns that the Earth's inner core may completely halt its rotation by 2040, according to a recent paper published in Nature. The study suggests changes are occurring deep within our planet,

The surface of Earth's inner core appears to be dynamic, changing shape as it rotates, earthquake waves reveal.

A new study shows that the inner core changed shape in just a few decades, challenging previous assumptions and revealing hidden dynamics deep within Earth.

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.

Researchers found evidence that the Earth's inner core is changing shape, suggesting unseen processes affecting its movement over time.

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