core (earth science)

In earth science, the innermost part of the Earth. It is divided into an outer core, which begins at a depth of 2,900 km/1,800 mi, and an inner core, which begins at a depth of 4,980 km/3,100 mi. Both parts are thought to consist of iron-nickel alloy. The outer core is liquid and the inner core is solid.

The fact that seismic shear waves disappear at the mantle–outer core boundary indicates that the outer core is molten, since shear waves cannot travel through fluid. Scientists infer the iron-nickel rich composition of the core from the Earth's density and its moment of inertia, and the composition of iron meteorites, which are thought to be pieces of cores of small planets. The temperature of the core, as estimated from the melting point of iron at high pressure, is thought to be at least 4,000°C/7,232°F, but remains controversial. The Earth's magnetic field is believed to be the result of the movement of liquid metal in the outer core.