'Electric Earth' Could Explain Planet's Rotation

sciencehabit writes "When it comes to Earth's rotation, you might think geophysicists have pretty much everything figured out. Not quite. In order to explain some variations in the way our planet spins, Earth's mantle — the layer of hot, softened rock that lies between the crust and core — must conduct electricity, an ability that the mantle as we know it shouldn't have. Now, a new study (academic paper) finds that iron monoxide, which makes up 9% of the mantle, actually does conduct electricity just like a metal, but only at temperatures and pressures found far beneath the surface."

Comments

Magnetic field + conductor = Electricity?

[atchijov]

Is there any electricity flowing and if there is, how can we harvest it?

Re:Magnetic field + conductor = Electricity?

[Ethanol-fueled]

Tesla had that all figured out a little less than a century ago.

Of course, his work was buried so Edison could make a buck with inferior technology.

So the takeaway...

[Anonymous Coward]

is that, conductivity can be induced in compounds that are normally non-conductive, but only at geologic pressures and temperatures.

Is it safe to say, in general then, pressure and temperature play a role for conductivity in all non-conductive 'metal'-based compounds?

Re:Iron Monoxide?

[Will.Woodhull]

"Iron monoxide" is a perfectly cromulent synonym for ferrous oxide.Like dihydrogen monoxide, and hydrogen hydroxide, it is sometimes the better choice for clear communications. Depending of course on exactly what you intend to communicate.