Difference between inner core and outer core of the earth


Geology
2023-05-06T00:27:43+00:00

Difference between inner core and outer core of the earth

What is the core of the Earth?

The nucleus from the earth It is the innermost and deepest layer of our planet. It is composed mainly of iron, but also contains nickel, silicon and other elements. It is divided into two parts: the inner core and the outer core. Next, we will talk about the Main differences between these two layers.

Inner core

The inner core is the deepest layer of the core and is located about 6.371 kilometers deep. It is a solid sphere of iron and nickel with a diameter of about 2.440 kilometers. It is the hottest layer on Earth, with temperatures that can exceed 5.000 degrees Celsius. Despite these high temperatures, the inner core is solid due to extremely high pressure.

Main features of the inner core:

  • Solid
  • Mainly composed of iron and nickel
  • Diameter of about 2.440 kilometers
  • Temperatures that can exceed 5.000 degrees Celsius
  • Extremely high pressure

External nucleus

The outer core is the layer located just above the inner core. It is located about 2.890 kilometers deep and is composed of iron, nickel and small amounts of other elements. Unlike the inner core, the outer core is liquid and is in constant motion due to the convection process, which would generate the Earth's magnetic field.

Main features of the outer core:

  • Liquid
  • Mainly composed of iron and nickel
  • Depth of about 2.890 kilometers
  • In constant motion due to the convection process

In short, although both nuclei are located inside the Earth and are composed of iron and nickel, the main differences lie in their state (solid or liquid) and their depth. In addition, the constantly moving outer core generates the Earth's magnetic field.

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