Why are outer layers losing heat more quickly than previously thought?
(NEWSER) - Earth's core, located 1,800 miles below us, has always been mysterious—and new research sheds light on the fascinating processes that go on down there, while simultaneously adding to the mystery. The New York Times takes a look at new findings in a piece that also summarizes what's already known about the core, a ball of iron about the size of Mars that contributes to Earth's geography, seismic activity, and magnetic field. One new study finds that the iron in the core's outer layers is actually losing heat through conduction two to three times faster than previously thought, which could mean any number of things. More»
