Have you ever wondered about the Earth's center? For a long time, scientists also didn't have much idea of what the deepest point on our planet was like. Thanks to scientific advances and the use of specific devices and equipment, today we can have a better idea to answer this question.
O Earth's center is solid. That's right, it is not composed of magma as many people imagine, as this magma is only found in the layers of the mantle and the outer core, while the inner core, that is, the center of the Earth, has a different structure.
The composition of the center of the Earthis an alloy formed predominantly by nickel and iron, which is why it is called NIFE. This layer is solid because of the extreme pressure applied to it, after all, we are talking about the force exerted by the weight of the entire earth mass! Furthermore, this pressure is so strong and overwhelming that temperatures reach an incredible 6000°C, the equivalent of the heat present on the surface of the Sun!
It is clear that, with these conditions, no living being or equipment developed by human beings could reach there. In fact, the maximum that has been drilled, so far, has been around 12,000 meters, with some projects underway to reach a little more. The inner core of our planet, in turn, extends from 5150 km to 6371 km in depth.
Then, how do you know the internal composition of the planet?
The studies on the deepest areas of the planet are carried out using a series of integrated equipment, with emphasis on the seismograph, the same that is used in the measurement of earthquakes. This device is capable of detecting the different waves that propagate inside the Earth and, from them, speculate what material is found in the lower layers of the planet.
In addition to using the seismograph, studies are also carried out in volcanic lavas, ancient rocks and even about the Earth's magnetism, which has a direct relationship to the composition of the core. internal.
By Me. Rodolfo Alves Pena
