Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
6431135 Earth and Planetary Science Letters 2007 6 Pages PDF
Abstract

Ab initio finite temperature molecular dynamics simulations have been used to calculate the elasticity of hcp-Fe, bcc-Fe, FeS and FeSi at core conditions. The calculated compressional wave velocities are in excellent agreement with the most recent experimental data. However, the calculated shear wave velocities of all phases studied are significantly higher than those inferred from seismology. This discrepancy can only be explained if the inner core is partially molten containing more than ∼ 8% liquid.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Earth and Planetary Sciences Earth and Planetary Sciences (General)
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