Inner core composition paradox revealed by sound velocities of Fe and Fe-Si alloy

Knowledge of the sound velocity of core materials is essential to explain the observed anomalously low shear wave velocity (V-S) and high Poisson's ratio (sigma) in the solid inner core. To date, neither V-S nor sigma of Fe and Fe-Si alloy have been measured under core conditions. Here, we present V-S and sigma derived from direct measurements of the compressional wave velocity, bulk sound velocity, and density of Fe and Fe-8.6 wt%Si up to similar to 230 GPa and similar to 5400 K. The new data show that neither the effect of temperature nor incorporation of Si would be sufficient to explain the observed low V-S and high sigma of the inner core. A possible solution would add carbon (C) into the solid inner core that could further decrease V-S and increase sigma. However, the physical property-based Fe-Si-C core models seemingly conflict with the partitioning behavior of Si and C between liquid and solid Fe.

Automated summary

Direct measurements of Fe and Fe-8.6 wt%Si under high pressure and high temperature conditions provide insights into the sound velocity and Poisson's ratio of core materials. Adding carbon may be a possible solution to explain the observed anomalies.