Earth's Core

The Earth's core is a crucial part of the Earth's structure, and it is divided into two main parts: the inner core and the outer core.

Inner Core

The inner core is a solid sphere made primarily of iron and nickel, with temperatures reaching up to 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,000 degrees Celsius). The immense pressure in the Earth's core keeps the inner core in a solid state, despite the high temperatures.

Outer Core

The outer core is a liquid layer also composed of iron and nickel. It is responsible for generating the Earth's magnetic field through the movement of the molten metal. This movement, known as convection, creates electric currents that generate the magnetic field we observe on the Earth's surface.

Study Guide

1. What are the two main parts of the Earth's core?
2. What are the primary components of the inner core?
3. What is the temperature of the inner core?
4. How does the immense pressure in the Earth's core affect the state of the inner core?
5. What is the composition of the outer core?
6. What phenomenon in the outer core generates the Earth's magnetic field?
7. How do the electric currents in the outer core create the Earth's magnetic field?

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