Earth's core may be coated in a layer of crystals created by water leaking from the surface: study

Tue, 12/05/2023 - 10:44

An artist's impression shows a cross-section of the Earth. Inside subducted water-rich earth is shown going towards the core and magma is shown rising toward the surface. — An artist's impression of how water could seep into the Earth, creating a layer of crystals around the core.
Image courtesy Yonsei University

Water leaking into the Earth may be wrapping the core in crystals, a study has suggested.
The study may help explain a weird area in the outer core that has long puzzled scientists.
One expert said the theory needs more evidence to be widely accepted.

Water leaking from the surface of the Earth could be changing the outer rim of our planet's core and wrapping it in a layer of crystals, according to a study.