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Scientists Uncover Earth's Inner Core's Superionic Secrets

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Earth's inner core is in a superionic state, with carbon atoms flowing like a liquid through a solid iron lattice.
The finding was led by researchers from Sichuan University.
Under extreme pressure and temperature, the inner core behaves both solidly and pliably, affecting seismic wave speeds.
This understanding could help explain Earth's magnetic fields and the thermal evolution of other rocky planets.

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Story summary

Earth's inner core is in a superionic state, with carbon atoms flowing like a liquid through a solid iron lattice.
The finding was led by researchers from Sichuan University.
Under extreme pressure and temperature, the inner core behaves both solidly and pliably, affecting seismic wave speeds.
This understanding could help explain Earth's magnetic fields and the thermal evolution of other rocky planets.