New research reveals our planet’s structure may consist of 5 layers, not just 4 layers as previously understood.
Our understanding of what lies within the Earth is mainly inferred from data related to volcanoes and seismic waves. The structure of the blue planet has long been thought to consist of four main layers: the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.
Earth may consist of 5 layers, not 4 layers as previously understood. (Photo: Amaze Lab).
However, in a new study published in the journal Geophysical Research , geophysicists from the Australian National University report that they have found evidence that the Earth’s inner core could be two separate class.
The team used a search algorithm to review and match thousands of models of the inner core with decades of observational data about the time it takes for seismic waves to travel through the Earth due to the Seismic Center. International collection.
The results did not show much difference in the depth of the inner core, but did detect a change in the structure of iron , which affects the time it takes for seismic waves to travel through the core. According to study lead author Joanne Stevenson, this suggests there may have been two separate cooling events in Earth’s history.
The new finding explains why certain experimental data do not match current models of planetary structure. The team believes in the presence of another layer at the bottom of the Earth (5th layer) based on some evidence that the iron crystals that make up the inner core of the planet have different structural bonds together.
“We are currently limited by the global distribution of earthquakes and receivers, especially at the poles. It is hoped that new research methods under development can soon fill the gap. empty data about the Earth,” Stevenson shared.