Scientists have detected a slowdown in the rotation of Earth’s inner core, and according to a study published in Nature, it could come to a complete halt by 2040. This phenomenon may impact the planet’s magnetic field, which shields Earth from solar radiation.
It was previously believed that the core consistently rotates from west to east, but data from 2009–2010 revealed that its motion temporarily stopped. Now, researchers are observing not only a slowdown but also a potential reversal of its rotation relative to Earth’s surface.
This process is linked to the geodynamo—the mechanism that generates Earth’s magnetic field. If the core’s rotation indeed ceases, it could lead to changes in the magnetic field, though the exact consequences remain unclear.
Scientists continue to monitor this development, as deep Earth processes are proving to be more complex than previously thought. While no definitive conclusions have been reached, this discovery highlights the need for further research to better understand the dynamics of Earth’s core.
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