Earth’s Inner Core Is Slowing Down — and May Not Be Entirely Solid

The surprise discovery of earth’s core composition may debunk previous assumptions on the solidity of the planet.

By Jenny Lehmann
Feb 12, 2025 10:20 PMFeb 12, 2025 10:22 PM
The structure of the Earth's crust
(Credit: Rost9/Shutterstock)

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A recent study revealed that Earth’s inner core is slowing down, prompting scientists to investigate further. Their research led to an unexpected discovery: that inner core is not entirely solid.

Scientists from the University of Southern California (USC) analyzed data from earthquakes and identified unexpected changes in the core's composition, offering insights into why these shifts are occurring.

A Slowing Core and Its Effects

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