The Earth's core is primarily composed of two main layers: the outer core and the inner core, each with distinct compositions.
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Outer Core:
- The outer core is composed mainly of liquid iron and nickel. It also contains lighter elements such as sulfur, oxygen, and silicon, which may be present in smaller amounts. The outer core is responsible for generating the Earth's magnetic field through the movement of these molten metals.
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Inner Core:
- The inner core is solid and consists predominantly of iron and nickel as well. However, it is under immense pressure, which contributes to its solid state despite the high temperatures that exceed those on the surface of the Earth. Some models suggest the presence of other elements, such as sulfur or silicon, but the exact composition is still an area of research.
Overall, the core accounts for a significant portion of the Earth's mass, and its composition plays a critical role in many geological and geophysical processes.