Why Does The Earth's Core Spin

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In summary, the topic of whether the Earth's inner core spins faster than the mantle crust has been debated for over a decade. Recent studies suggest a very small super rotation factor, with estimates of one rotation every 8.6 million years. This is a significant decrease from previous estimates of one rotation every 400 years. The reasons for this superrotation are still largely unknown, but some speculate that it could be related to magneto dynamic variation. This information is of interest for understanding the Earth's magnetohydrodynamics sources.
  • #1
Phrak
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1 Why does the Earth's core spin in relation to the crust?
2. How quickly are viscous effects slowing it down, if it actually is slowing down?

-deCraig
 
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The question whether or not the inner core spins faster than the mantle crust is debated for over a decade. The http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V61-4P7787K-1&_user=10&_coverDate=09%2F15%2F2007&_rdoc=21&_fmt=summary&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%235801%232007%23997389998%23667059%23FLA%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=5801&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=27&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=3884cd4132962947b1caff2d7fefdafb suggest that there is a very small super rotation factor around 0,1 sec per decade or 8.6 million years for a revolution, compared to the first estimates of one rotation every 400 years.

Why? Any explanation is speculation although Gary Glatzmaiers geo magnetism model predicted a superrotation. So he is happy. And if that's correct then obviously the spinning of the inner core would likely react on magneto dynamic variation.
 
  • #3
Way cool, Andre. Thanks for the info.

I'm been suffering under the impression since gradeschool that the core rotated at a significant rate--far more than quoted in your references.

I was interested in this topic as to the origine of the Earth's magnetohydrodynamics sources, so it was nice to see it address in your links.

-deCraig
 

1. What causes the Earth's core to spin?

The Earth's core is primarily composed of iron and nickel, which are both metals that are capable of conducting heat. This means that as the Earth's core cools, it creates convection currents that cause the molten metal to move, resulting in the spinning motion.

2. How fast does the Earth's core spin?

The Earth's core spins at a rate of about 0.1 to 0.5 degrees per year. This may seem slow, but considering the size and density of the core, it is actually quite fast.

3. Does the Earth's core spin in the same direction as the surface?

No, the Earth's core rotates in the opposite direction of the surface. This is due to the Coriolis effect, which causes objects to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This effect is caused by the rotation of the Earth.

4. What would happen if the Earth's core stopped spinning?

If the Earth's core were to suddenly stop spinning, it would have major consequences for the planet. The Earth's magnetic field, which is generated by the spinning core, would disappear, leaving the planet vulnerable to harmful solar winds. It would also affect the Earth's rotation and could potentially lead to changes in the length of a day.

5. Can the Earth's core ever stop spinning?

It is highly unlikely that the Earth's core will ever stop spinning completely. While it may slow down over time, it is constantly being heated from within by the decay of radioactive elements, which helps sustain the convection currents that drive the spinning motion. However, there is still much that scientists do not know about the Earth's core, so it is not impossible for unforeseen events to cause it to stop spinning.

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