Earth’s Inner Core Is Growing Lopsided

A geological mystery is unfolding far beneath our feet, and it may shed light on the life-sustaining magnetic field that extends far above our heads. 

By Cody Cottier
Aug 2, 2021 1:03 PM
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(Credit: Vadim Sadovski/Shutterstock)

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Each year, the solid-iron inner core at the heart of our planet expands by about a millimeter as the Earth’s nether regions cool and solidify. According to a recent study, one side appears to be growing faster — but scientists don’t know why.

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