According to the study, which is based on three - dimensional simulations of geodynamos created by turbulent liquids and models of Earth's thermal history, the inner core is believed to have begun solidifying roughly 650 million years ago. (ibtimes.com)
Motion of the earth's liquid core, the so - called geodynamo, generates its magnetic field. (scientificamerican.com)
The hope is to get a lab - size geodynamo going under small - scale conditions that mimic those inside Earth. (discovermagazine.com)