Earth's Inner Core Could Be Full Of Extreme Hydrogen Unlike Anything on The Surface

A new study suggests Earth’s inner core may contain abundant superionic hydrogen.

Modeling iron-hydrogen alloys found the hexagonal close-packed phase is more stable than the body-centered cubic phase under inner-core conditions.

A hydrogen gradient could also redistribute hydrogen between the inner and outer core.

The findings may help explain core composition, hydrogen transport, chemical buoyancy, and energy sources that sustain the geodynamo.