The inner core of Earth is the planet’s solid, innermost region, composed primarily of iron with minor nickel and light elements, extending from about 1,220 km radius to the center. It is characterized by extreme pressures (over 330 GPa) and temperatures comparable to the solar surface, yet remains solid due to pressure-induced freezing. Seismic wave studies reveal anisotropy, suggesting preferential crystal alignment, likely of hexagonal close-packed iron. The inner core plays a critical role in geodynamo processes through latent heat release and compositional convection at the inner core boundary, influencing the structure and dynamics of the surrounding liquid outer core.
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