Polarpedia has information categorized by main topics. Click on an icon below to view the available terms.
«
»

Earth’s outer core

The Earth’s outer core is the second innermost layer, located between the inner core and the mantle. It contains mostly iron and nickel, which- due to lower pressure than existing at the inner core- are in the liquid form.

Temperature, composition and pressure differences that occur withing the outer core cause convective motion of the fluid. In addition, the Coriolis force acting on the fluid organizes this motion into rolls aligned with the Earth’s spin axis. Electric current is generated inside each roll, which is the source of its magnetic field. As these magnetic fields act in the same direction, their effect adds up to create the overall geomagnetic field that extends far into space and protects the atmosphere of our planet against solar wind.

Illustration: usgs.gov

«
»
Polarpedia has information categorized by main topics. Click on an icon below to view the available terms.
Polarpedia terms are created by EDU-ARCTIC Consortium, which holds responsibility for quality of translations in following languages: Polish, French, Danish, Norwegian, German, Russian, Italian, unless indicated otherwise. If you see an error - please contact us: edukacja@igf.edu.pl.
European Union flag This project (EDU-ARCTIC) has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 710240. The content of the website is the sole responsibility of the Consortium and it does not represent the opinion of the European Commission, and the Commission is not responsible for any use that might be made of information contained.
Designed & hosted by American Systems Sp. z o.o.