"Dynamic Discovery: Iron Atoms in Earth's Inner Core on the Move"

Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and collaborators in China have discovered that iron atoms in the Earth's solid inner core are capable of rapid movement, known as "collective motion," while maintaining the metallic structure of the iron. This finding could help explain various properties of the inner core and shed light on the role it plays in generating Earth's magnetic field. By re-creating the inner core in the lab and using an AI algorithm, the scientists observed groups of atoms changing places while still maintaining the overall hexagonal structure. The increased movement of the iron atoms could explain why seismic measurements show the inner core to be softer and more malleable than expected. Understanding the atomic-scale activity in the inner core can inform future research on energy generation and the dynamics of Earth's core.