Seismic study challenges our understanding of Earth’s inner core, suggesting more movement
New research suggests that Earth’s inner core may not be as solid as previously believed. Scientists studying seismic waveforms have discovered structural changes in the core, which challenge long-held assumptions about its composition. This discovery emerged while researchers were examining the inner core’s slowing rotation. The seismic data, gathered from multiple earthquakes over three decades, indicated unexpected wave behaviors. Experts believe these findings could provide new insights into Earth’s thermal and magnetic fields, as well as subtle variations in the planet’s rotation.
Seismic Data Reveals Core’s Malleability
According to the study published in Nature Geoscience on February 10, researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) analysed seismic data from 121 earthquakes that occurred between 1991 and 2024. These earthquakes were recorded across 42 locations near the South Sandwich Islands. While initially focused on the core’s rotational slowdown, the team observed anomalies in the waveforms, prompting further investigation. The research led them to conclude that the inner core might exhibit more movement and structural variation than previously understood.
Expert Insights on Core Behavior
John Vidale, Dean’s Professor of Earth Sciences at USC Dornsife College, told in an official release that an unusual seismic dataset stood out while analysing decades of records. He noted that the data revealed physical activity in the inner core, suggesting it is not entirely solid. Enhanced resolution techniques helped confirm these observations. Researchers believe the structural changes could be linked to the core’s slowing motion, which might even slightly affect the length of a day.
Implications for Earth’s Magnetic and Thermal Fields
Experts suggest that these findings could improve the understanding of Earth’s internal processes, particularly its magnetic and thermal fields. The discovery may refine existing models of the planet’s structure and behavior. While more research is needed, the study offers a fresh perspective on the inner workings of Earth’s core.
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Two hikers accidentally discovered a treasure trove in Czech Republic . While taking a stroll in the forests surrounding Zvičina Hill in the Krkonoše Mountains near Poland’s border, they spotted an aluminium can and an iron box protruding slightly above the surface in a stone mound. The containers contained about 600 gold coins and a stunning assortment of gold artifacts. Discovery of this treasure worth more than $340,000 has drawn attention of researchers, arising questions about both the origin of the coins and how did they end up in such a remote location.
Tracing the origin of coins
According to the report by Vojtěch Brádle, a numismatist from the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, the majority of the coins were minted between 1808 and 1915. They originate from the Austria-Hungarian Empire, particularly under the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Some of the coins feature countermarks minted in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenians after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The 598 coins cover a broad historical period, containing currency from France, Belgium, the Ottoman Empire, and Russia too. The range of provenances makes it difficult to track how the coins got to where they were, or just why they were stashed away at all. “It is hard to say whether it was Czech, German, or Jewish gold,” said Petr Grulich, director of the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, according to Dailymail.
Theories about the hiding place
There are several theories and speculation about how these coins and artifacts were hidden in such a remote location. One theory suggests that the items were concealed during Nazi Germany’s occupation of Czechoslovakia.
Following the Munich Agreement of 1938, large numbers of Jews and Czechs fled their homes in the annexed Sudetenland to escape persecution. Some historians believe that the treasure was buried during this time in an effort to protect it from the invading Nazi forces.
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