Earth's core spins faster than rest of the planet

Posted on Saturday, August 27 2005 @ 2:21 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Based on the speed of earthquake waves passing through the earth, geophysicists have calculated the Earth's inner core, which is a solid iron ball larger than the moon, spins faster than the rest of our planet. They claim the inner core appears to be making one full extra spin over a period of 700 to 1,200 years.
Over the course of a day, the earth spins around once, or 360 degrees. The new research indicates that over a year, the inner core spins an extra 0.3 to 0.5 degrees compared with the rest of the planet.
There was also a similar research in 1996 which found a difference of 1.1 degrees per years. However, the new research is more precise. Read on at New York Times


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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