Earth's Interior Dynamics
The mantle's convection currents are like Earth's engine. When the lower mantle gets heated by the core, it creates massive circulation patterns that drive the movement of the lithosphere above. This is what powers plate tectonics and causes continents to drift!
At Earth's center lies the core, made primarily of nickel and iron (sometimes called NiFe). The core is split into two distinct parts, each with unique properties that affect our planet.
The outer core is liquid and generates Earth's magnetic field as it flows around the inner core. This magnetic field protects us from harmful solar radiation. Interestingly, this field can actually reverse its orientation over long time periods.
The inner core is solid despite being hotter than the outer core (due to immense pressure). It rotates at its own speed, slightly faster than the rest of the planet!
Fascinating fact: The movement in Earth's outer core is so important that without it, our planet would lose its magnetic shield that protects all life from space radiation.