Earth Has Been Hiding a Fifth Layer in Its Inner Core

Scientists say they've detected a new, mysterious layer at the center of our home planet. The discovery could unearth more about Earth's history.

By Donna Sarkar
Mar 19, 2021 3:00 PMMar 23, 2021 7:42 PM
Earth's Layers
(Credit: Rost9/Shutterstock)

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One of geology's basic principles is that the Earth is made up of four layers: the crust, the mantle, the outer core, and the inner core. But this may be squashed in light of a new study that suggests Earth actually has a distinct fifth layer that's been under our feet all along.

Researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) say that the new layer they uncovered is located within Earth's inner core. Deeper analysis of this discovery could help scientists better understand our planet's history and evolution.

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