Temperature Distribution within the Earth's Core

Abstract

RECENTLY, Simon¹ has presented a method of estimating the melting-point temperature of iron at high pressure. This is of considerable geophysical interest as it is frequently argued that the earth's core is composed of iron². A method of estimating the melting-point temperature in the mantle had been proposed previously by Uffen³; but no reliable method of estimating this value in the core was then available. These two results are combined in Fig. 1, the dotted lines indicating our estimated limits of error. This curve is very similar to that given by Jacobs⁴ in his qualitative explanation for the existence of a solid inner core to the earth. Furthermore, it provides an upper limit of 5,000° K. and a lower limit of 3,000° K. for the temperature at the core-mantle boundary. These two observations provide a basis for discussing the plausibility of some of the theories of the constitution and history of the earth's interior.