Structure of Earth:
Earth consists of three main layers: the crust, mantle, and core. The crust, the outermost layer, is made of solid rock, including oceanic (dense and thin) and continental (less dense and thick) crust. The mantle is located beneath the crust and consists of hot, dense, iron, and magnesium-rich solid rock.
The core comprises two parts: the liquid outer core (nickel, iron, and molten rock) and the solid inner core (mainly iron and nickel), with temperatures up to 50,000°C.
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About The Core:
- The core is predominantly form of metal, primarily iron and nickel.
- It contains an innermost inner core that rotates eastward, influencing Earth’s magnetic field.
- Earth’s magnetic field is accumulates in the outer core and is much stronger than on the surface.
- The inner core’s rotation switches between sub-rotation and super-rotation, affecting the magnetic field.
Importance of Study of Core:
- Limited knowledge about Interior of the Earth especially about core.
- Information is gathered through seismic data, meteorite analysis, lab experiments, and computer modeling.
- Drilling expeditions, like the Kola Superdeep Borehole in Russia and the Koyna project in India, provide valuable data.
- International organizations like International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) and the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP), support drilling efforts.
Importance of Core:
- The core’s heat drives plate tectonics, shaping landscapes and regulating volcanic activity.
- Volcanic eruptions release carbon dioxide, impacting atmospheric greenhouse gas levels and climate.
- Earth’s magnetic field protects from cosmic radiation, guides navigation, and shows signs of potential reversals.
- A potential magnetic field shutdown may occur as the core solidifies, as seen on Mars.
Future Expedition Plans:
- Ongoing drilling expeditions worldwide aim to understand earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, past climates, and planetary processes.
- Proposals for future drilling expeditions, like Andaman Islands, could advance our knowledge.
- Collaboration and funding allocation are essential for meaningful research in this field.
