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.
Approximately 4.6 billion years ago, the Earth formed. The story starts with the planet's interior or rocky core, which formed through the collision of heavy elements. The core, found at the center of the Earth, is made up of two parts. The outer layer, comprised of liquid iron alloy, is about 1,355 miles thick. The outer core is also thought to be ...
