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Is Earth's inner core hot

Updated: 9/18/2023
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13y ago

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Yes. The evidence for this is the presence of magma at, and below, the surface of the earth. The core is estimated to be as hot as 7000 Celsius. This heat is thought to be produced by radioactive decay of elements like uranium. Eventually the core will cool.

Interestingly, the molten metallic outer core revolving around the solid inner core is thought to produce the protective magnetic field around Earth. The cooling of the core will probably have the effect of collapsing Earth's magnetic field, leaving Earth unprotected from solar radiation. This radiation will likely sterilize the earth of most life as we know it. Cockroaches may be one of the exceptions, as lethal doses of radiation for them are 6 -15 times higher than for humans.

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13y ago
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Q: Is Earth's inner core hot
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