Seismic insights into Earth’s core

Abstract

The inner and outer cores are the most remote layers of Earth, yet have wide-ranging impacts on its evolution. Here, we detail current structural models of the core, deliberate dynamic interpretations, and highlight limitations and potential targets for future research to address.

The emerging picture of a complex core-mantle boundary

“…For example, such a layer may facilitate the formation of stratification beneath the CMB by altering the ratios of light elements in the outermost core [e.g. 9 , 26 ]. Partial entrainment of a layer by mantle convection may lead to geochemical signatures measured at hotspots, including anomalous helium and tungsten ratios, which are interpreted to be tracers of core-mantle interaction 27 , 28 .…”