Structure of the earth's inner core

Details Structure of the earth's inner core Structure of the earth's inner core

Jul 1981

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1981natur.292..232f&link_type=abstract

Nature, vol. 292, July 16, 1981, p. 232, 233.

Other

63

Binary Mixtures, Earth Core, Earth Planetary Structure, Freezing, Planetary Composition, Convective Flow, Crystal Growth, Dendritic Crystals, Melting Points, Seismology, Supercooling

Scientific paper

It is pointed out that the material composing the earth's core is an 'uncertain mixture of all the elements'. As the freezing of a mixture can be very different in nature from the freezing of a pure substance, it is important that the effects of composition be included in any study of the evolution of the earth's core. A binary alloy is considered in the first step of an investigation concerning the effects of composition. It is assumed that as freezing proceeds, one component of the binary mixture goes to form the solid while the other is expelled into the remaining liquid. The thickness of the 'mushy zone', in which both solid (dendrites) and liquid are present, is shown to be strongly dependent on the difference in composition between the outer core and the corresponding liquid with the lowest melting point. Unless the two compositions are very nearly equal, the mushy zone will be very thick, possibly extending to the center of the earth.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Structure of the earth's inner core does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Structure of the earth's inner core, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Structure of the earth's inner core will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1690216