Discover
/
Article

Studies of the Earth’s Deep Interior: Goals and Trends

OCT 01, 1990
Profound opportunities for understanding the mysteries of the inner Earth lie within reach. But it will take a concerted interdisciplinary research effort to model the total dynamic Earth system.
Thorne Lay
Thomas J. Ahrens
Peter Olson
Joseph Smyth
David Loper

The deep interior of planet Earth has long fascinated philosophers, scientists and fantasy writers, yet it remains inaccessible to direct scrutiny and thus largely enigmatic. Romantic notions about the interior are provocative, with crystal‐filled chambers and pitchfork‐bearing devils. However, the more scientifically based visions are just as alluring.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the authors

Thorne Lay, University of California, Santa Cruz.

Thomas J. Ahrens, California Institute of Technology.

Peter Olson, Johns Hopkins, University.

Joseph Smyth, University of Colorado.

David Loper, Florida State University.

Related content
/
Article
The ability to communicate a key message clearly and concisely to a nonspecialized audience is a critical skill to develop at all educational levels.
/
Article
With strong magnetic fields and intense lasers or pulsed electric currents, physicists can reconstruct the conditions inside astrophysical objects and create nuclear-fusion reactors.
/
Article
A crude device for quantification shows how diverse aspects of distantly related organisms reflect the interplay of the same underlying physical factors.
/
Article
Events held around the world have recognized the past, present, and future of quantum science and technology.
This Content Appeared In
pt-cover_1990_10.jpeg

Volume 43, Number 10

Get PT in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.