Few regions of the planet are as enigmatic as the inner core of the EarthThis compartment, hidden thousands of miles beneath our feet, remains one of the great challenges for geological science. Although unattainable directly, thanks to the latest technological advances and the interpretation of seismic waves, specialists have managed to uncover its secrets. physical properties and their influence in Earth's global processes. Each new discovery rekindles the debate about its true function, from driving the magnetic field to impacting tectonics and climate.
Research into the Earth's core is advancing at a rapid pace at Spanish institutions such as the Complutense University of Madrid and the Institute of Geosciences (IGEO). Experts such as Maurizio Mattesini, professor of Earth Physics, dedicate their work to discovering how thermoelastic characteristics and seismic dynamics The inner core's influence on planetary evolution. These studies, which combine physics, geochemistry, and computer modeling, provide a better understanding of seismic damage prevention and the functioning of the planet as an integrated system.
The interior of the planet: structure and dynamics of the inner core
El inner core It is composed primarily of solid iron and nickel, surrounded by a liquid outer core composed of the same elements. Its high pressure and temperature make this sphere an extremely dense and rigid place, whose properties directly affect the propagation of seismic waves generated by earthquakes. It is precisely the observation and modeling of these waves that has allowed geophysicists to decipher minute details about the composition and behavior of this core.
One of the current focuses is the analysis of the thermoelastic properties, that is, the response of the inner core to variations in temperature and pressure. Understanding these nuances helps explain the magnetic field generation terrestrial, an invisible shield that plays an essential role in protecting life and the atmosphere.
Another relevant aspect is the presence of possible heterogeneities or anisotropies in the structure of the inner core. These differences in the arrangement of iron crystals can influence both the speed of seismic wave propagation and the way heat is transferred to the mantle, impacting tectonic and volcanic activity at the surface.
Heat transport and “ghosts” from the interior
Recent findings have brought to light the existence of ascending thermal plumes —sometimes called “ghosts”—which connect the inner core to the upper layers without causing volcanic activity at the surface. These heat channels can pass through the mantle and reach the base of the lithosphere, causing gentle bulges and barely perceptible seismic shifts.
In areas such as Oman, seismic studies have detected columns of hot material that alter the planet's internal boundaries without leaving a volcanic trace on the outside. The most interesting thing about these discoveries is that show a more direct connection of heat flow from the core —which forces a review of models of how the planet loses heat. If these phenomena prove to be common beneath the continents, the role of the inner core as the Earth's thermal and dynamic engine would become even more important.
The ability to identify these “ghost” columns opens the door to further study of the dynamic topography, that is, subtle deformations of the Earth's surface caused exclusively by internal movements. This perspective helps us better understand tectonic evolution and changes in plate displacement, which are fundamental to geological history.
Relevance to the Earth's magnetic field and life
El magnetic field of the Earth is largely due to the convective motion of the liquid outer core surrounding the solid inner core. This magnetic shield is essential to protect the atmosphere It faces solar winds and allows life to thrive on the surface. Therefore, delving into the characteristics and dynamics of the inner core also means studying the reasons why our planet is habitable.
Research suggests that There is a close relationship between internal activity of the planet and processes such as oxygen accumulation, the evolution of supercontinents and carbon cycles. In addition, there is the possibility that the global dynamics of the Earth is conditioned by both the chemical composition and the mechanical behavior of the core.
This knowledge has practical applications, such as improving the early warning systems earthquakes and the prevention of damage from seismic activity, fields in which Spanish experts are at the forefront through international and national projects.
The inner core is not just a passive structure at the heart of the planet. Its thermal, mechanical and magnetic interactions They directly affect life on the surface, and their study is essential to understanding everything from the formation of the atmosphere to plate dynamics and the seismic events that alter our lives.
