Earth has inner core surface property variations at 1km scale

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of the Earth's inner core, specifically addressing the rapid variations in these properties at scales as small as 1 km. Participants explore the relationship between temperature variations and property changes, the techniques used to study the core, and the implications of these findings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why small temperature variations correspond with relatively large variations in the properties of the inner core.
  • There is a request for clarification on what specific properties are being referred to and what constitutes "large" variations.
  • One participant inquires about the techniques used to study the core at a 1 km resolution, noting that current mantle studies have much lower resolution.
  • Another participant shares links to external resources discussing the dynamics of the Earth's outer core and its effects on the Earth as a whole.
  • A participant provides a link to the Wikipedia article discussing the inner core, directing others to a specific paragraph for further context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the relationship between temperature and property variations, and there is no consensus on the specific properties or the methods used for study. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple questions and points of clarification raised.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted limitations in the available information, including unclear definitions of properties and the techniques used for measurement, as well as unresolved questions about the implications of the findings.

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A Wikipedia article says:
"The surface of the inner core exhibits rapid variations in properties at scales at least as small as 1 km. This is puzzling, since lateral temperature variations along the inner core boundary are known to be extremely small (this conclusion is confidently constrained by magnetic field observations)."

Why do small temperature variations correspond with relatively large variations in the properties? What is the explanation for this?
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
"relatively large variations in the properties"

what properties and what is large ?
 
What technique do they use to look at the core which has a resolution of 1km? As far as I know the best we can manage with the mantle is 100 or so.
Also, which article?
 
Good question.Can't find anything on that.

We have

http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~dla/Commentary-doc2.pdf

Earth by the low viscosity fluid outer core and it can rotate, nod, wobble, process, oscillate, and even flip over, only loosely constrained by the surrounding shells.

That's our concern. although "process" should be "precess". The question is, what that does to the Earth as a whole.

like this:
http://earth.leeds.ac.uk/~earmdu/agu03.pdf
 
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