Physical Properties of Iron in the Inner Core.pdf

a r X i v : p h y s i c s / 0 2 0 4 0 5 5 v 1 [ p h y s i c s .g e o - p h ] 1 8 A p r 2 0 0 2 Physical Properties of Iron in the Inner Core Gerd Steinle-Neumann,1, ? Lars Stixrude,1 and R. E. Cohen2 1Department of Geological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1063 2Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC 20015-1035 (Dated: February 2, 2008) The Earth’s inner core plays a vital role in the dynamics of our planet and is itself strongly exposed to dynamic processes as evidenced by a complex pattern of elastic structure. To gain deeper insight into the nature of these processes we rely on a characterization of the physical properties of the inner core which are governed by the material physics of its main constituent, iron. Here we review recent research on structure and dynamics of the inner core, focusing on advances in mineral physics. We will discuss results on core composition, crystalline structure, temperature,and various aspects of elasticity. Based on recent computational results, we will show that aggregate seismic properties of the inner core can be explained by temperature and compression effects on the elasticity of pure iron, and use single crystal anisotropy to develop a speculative textural model of the inner core that can explain major aspects of inner core anisotropy. PACS numbers: INTRODUCTION The presence and slow growth of Earth’s inner core is one of the most significant manifestations of the dy- namics in the interior of our planet. As it is inaccessible to direct observation, an understanding of the physical state of the inner core requires an integrative approach combining results from many fields in the geosciences. Seismology, geo- and paleomagnetism, geo- and cosmo- chemistry, geodynamics, and mineral physics have ad- vanced our knowledge of the structure and processes in the inner core, revealing many surprises. Foremost among these have been the discoveries of anisotropy and het