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Explore the fundamental composition and origins of Earth in this opening lecture from the 1995 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures series. Discover how scientists have unraveled the mysteries of our planet's internal structure despite being unable to dig to its core over 6,000 kilometers below. Learn how unexpected clues from Bolivian earthquakes felt in Canada, volcanic eruptions bringing deep materials to the surface, and the Earth's changing magnetic field reveal that our planet has a liquid iron core. Examine evidence from meteorites and neighboring planets in our solar system that tell us Earth formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago with distinct layers. Understand the crucial concept of rock "creep" - how crystalline materials flow in solid state when heated deep within Earth, creating a strong outer crust above a weak, mobile interior that enables our planet's dynamic behavior. Gain insight into how this dual nature of Earth's materials provides the key to understanding planetary mobility and geological processes.
