The layer of the Earth that is liquid is the outer core. The outer core is located beneath the mantle and above the inner core, extending from about 2,890 kilometers (1,800 miles) deep to approximately 5,150 kilometers (3,200 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface.
This layer is primarily composed of molten iron and nickel, which gives it its liquid state. The high temperatures in this region, estimated to be between 4,300 to 6,000 degrees Celsius (7,800 to 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit), cause the metals to be in a molten form. The movement of this molten metal generates Earth’s magnetic field through a process known as the geodynamo.
Understanding the outer core’s liquid nature is essential for geologists and researchers as it plays a vital role in the planet’s geology and contributes to phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic activity.