At the center of our planet is a very hot rotating ball of mostly iron and nickel (sorry Journey to the Center of the Earth fans). Scientists infer features of this innermost geographic layer—like the fact that it’s divided into a liquid outer core and a solid inner core—by analyzing how it distorts seismic waves caused by earthquakes.

A new study of decades worth of seismogram data shows that the surface of Earth’s iron and nickel core is more malleable than scientists thought.

Scientists of course cannot cut into Earth and directly observe its insides. Instead, their knowledge is inferred from the vibrations generated by earthquakes that pass through the planet. The speed and the direction of the seismic vibrations change depending on the density and the elasticity of the rocks.

However, researchers from the University of Southern Carolina (USC) now say they discovered — almost by accident — that the Earth's inner core may be much more malleable. John

Not only is Earth’s inner core spinning and growing, but it’s also changing shape, according to new research. Our planet’s […]