Inner Core

About

The Earth's inner core is the innermost solid layer of our planet, composed primarily of iron and nickel. It has a radius of approximately 1,220 kilometers and is located at a depth of about 5,150 kilometers. Despite its extremely high temperature, estimated to be around 5,200 to 6,000 degrees Celsius, the inner core remains solid due to immense pressure. This pressure ranges from 330 to 360 gigapascals, significantly higher than the outer core boundary. The inner core plays a crucial role in generating Earth's magnetic field through interactions with the liquid outer core. It is believed to have formed as the Earth cooled, and its age is estimated to be between 0.5 and 2 billion years. The inner core's mass is about 1.1 x 10^26 grams, contributing significantly to Earth's overall mass. Its composition includes lighter elements like silicon and sulfur, in addition to iron and nickel. The inner core's solidity and rotation contribute to Earth's magnetic field, essential for life on our planet.