We may finally know what triggered Earth’s inner core to freeze, helping unlock one of the planet’s longest-standing geological puzzles. The inner core is a solid ball of iron about 2,400km (1,500 miles) wide, surrounded by a molten outer core. Its growth powers Earth’s magnetic field, which shields the planet from harmful solar radiation. But exactly how the core first …
Read More »
Students walk up the steps of the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library on the campus of Harvard University. Elissa Nadworny/NPR hide caption toggle caption Elissa Nadworny/NPR A federal judge in Boston handed Harvard University a legal victory on Wednesday. It’s the latest in a high-profile legal fight over whether the Trump administration acted illegally when it froze more than $2.2 …
Read More »
It’s hard to believe, but about 700m years ago it’s thought that our planet completely froze over with little to no liquid ocean or lakes exposed to the atmosphere, even in the tropics. But what tipped Earth’s climate into “Snowball Earth” state? A new study suggests a cold climate and massive volcanic eruptions set the scene. The Franklin eruptions – …
Read More »