Scientists have uncovered new information about the Earth's core: it may not be completely solid. Instead, its centre may be more malleable than expected and has changed shape in recent years. These findings could lead to a better understanding of the inner workings of our planet and how life here will evolve over time.
The Earth is made up of different layers. The outermost is the crust, which is where we humans stand. The next layer is the mantle, which makes up most of the planet's volume and is composed of dense, semi-solid rock. Then there is the outer core, made of liquid metal, and the inner core, a solid ball of metal. At least, that is what scientists thought.
New research published in the journal Nature Geoscience found that the core's shape had shifted during the past 20 years. Scientists say the change is happening where the solid inner core meets the liquid outer core.
Visualising what is happening at the inner core is "almost science fiction," Professor John Vidale, an earth scientist at the University of Southern California and principal investigator of the study, told CNN. This is because it is "so different from our day-to-day lives, with different timescales, different materials and incredible forces".
The new research presents a unique opportunity to witness changes to the planet at a smaller level. "The Earth evolves on a geological timescale," said Dr Yoshi Miyazaki, an associate professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Rutgers University, to CNN. "So observing changes on an annual timescale is always intriguing as it enhances our understanding of inner core dynamics." | 
