Temperature at the core of earth
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Temperature at the Core of the Earth
Core Temperature Estimates
The temperature at the Earth's core is a subject of significant scientific interest due to its implications for understanding the Earth's internal heat budget and the geodynamo. Various methods have been employed to estimate these temperatures, leading to a range of values.
Inner Core Boundary Temperature
The temperature at the inner core boundary (ICB) has been estimated using different techniques. One study extrapolated melting-point measurements of iron and iron-oxygen compounds at high static pressures, yielding a temperature of approximately 4,850 K at the ICB . Another study using shock melting curve experiments suggested a temperature of around 5,950 K at the ICB . These estimates are consistent with other recent findings using fast X-ray diffraction techniques and ab initio computations .
Core-Mantle Boundary Temperature
The temperature at the core-mantle boundary (CMB) has also been a focus of research. Estimates from various studies suggest a range between 3,000 K and 5,000 K 36. For instance, one study using a combination of static and dynamic techniques measured the melting temperature of iron at the CMB to be around 4,800 K . Another study, based on experimental data and theoretical models, proposed a temperature of approximately 4,300 K at the CMB .
Temperature Distribution and Gradients
Temperature Gradient in the Core
The temperature gradient within the Earth's core is crucial for understanding the thermal dynamics and the solidification process of the inner core. One study indicated that the temperature difference between the CMB and the ICB could be as high as 1,600 K for high heat production rates . This gradient supports the existence of convection within the outer core, which is essential for the geodynamo process.
Initial Temperature and Cooling
The initial temperature of the Earth's core and its cooling rate over geological time scales have also been studied. One model estimated the initial temperature at the CMB to be around 4,200 K, leading to a present-day temperature of approximately 3,820 K . This model takes into account the growth of the inner core and the heat flow from the core to the mantle.
Implications for Earth's Magnetic Field
The temperature and composition of the Earth's core have direct implications for the generation of the Earth's magnetic field. The presence of light impurities such as oxygen in the outer core, which are expelled as the inner core solidifies, contributes to the convective motions necessary for the geodynamo . The estimated temperatures at the ICB and CMB provide constraints on the thermal models that describe these processes.
Conclusion
In summary, the temperature at the Earth's core is estimated to be between 4,800 K and 5,950 K at the inner core boundary and between 3,000 K and 5,000 K at the core-mantle boundary. These estimates are derived from a combination of experimental measurements and theoretical models, providing a comprehensive understanding of the thermal state of the Earth's core. The temperature gradients within the core play a crucial role in the dynamics of the Earth's interior and the generation of its magnetic field.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic