The Earth’s inner core is primarily composed of iron and nickel, with some lighter elements such as sulfur and silicon possibly present as well. This core is solid, despite the immense temperatures that can reach up to 5,700 degrees Celsius (around 10,300 degrees Fahrenheit).
The reason it remains solid, even at these high temperatures, is due to the extreme pressure found deep within the Earth. The pressure is so great that it causes the iron and nickel to solidify despite the heat that would typically keep them in a liquid state.
This solid inner core is surrounded by the outer core, which is liquid and plays a crucial role in generating the Earth’s magnetic field. Understanding the composition of the inner core helps scientists learn more about the Earth’s formation and the dynamics of its internal processes.