Using what we know about thermal expansion, conduction of heat, and viscosity, should we expect thermal convection within Earth's core?

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The outer core consists mostly of liquid iron that has very low viscosity but is a very good conductor of heat. The high conduction prohibits convection from occurring. The inner core consists mostly of solid iron, which has high viscosity and is a very good conductor of heat. Its thermal expansion is slightly less than rocks. Most rocks have a volume-expansion coefficient in the range of 15–33 x 10-6 per degree Celsius. Iron is slightly lower, 10–12 x 10-6 per degree Celsius. Putting together all three factors makes it highly unlikely that convection occurs in the inner core.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences