2
$\begingroup$

Knowing very little about the nature of water, wondering how it might behave at the centre of a planet or centre of an another massive gravitational body.

Could water take such pressures or might it break into separate hydrogen and oxygen to find something more accommodating for the pressure exerted, if such atmosphere would allow the volume even?

Finally, bonus points: could triple points in water play a role in keeping temperatures low under high pressures via fluid thermodynamics, ultimately leading out of two jets at the poles, forcing itself into an efficient helix leading back to the surface?

Would it be physically possible that the earth could sustain itself with water at it's core?

Update: This question has been asked and answered. The answer is possibly. At least according to: Physics Question 1 and Physics Question 2

I'm just surprised that if it's true Earth can be supported by a water core, via exotic ices at super high pressures, that the community didn't jump to any conclusions. Better to leave such to philosophers, eh? ;)

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
15
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ The core will contain the densest component of the body. The core would only be ice if the body was made up exclusively of water. The Earth cannot have a core made of ice because the metal and rock is denser and would displace it. $\endgroup$
    – John Rennie
    Apr 8, 2014 at 9:10
  • $\begingroup$ so metal and rock have to be denser than water, even at extreme pressures? $\endgroup$
    – irth
    Apr 8, 2014 at 9:18
  • $\begingroup$ They are denser than water for all pressures at we have done experiments. There is no obvious reason why water should become denser as the pressure is increased. $\endgroup$
    – John Rennie
    Apr 8, 2014 at 9:24
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Yes, but the pressure would also compress the metal and rock so they would get denser too. $\endgroup$
    – John Rennie
    Apr 8, 2014 at 10:15
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Under extreme pressure, the water would become a black hole. But by then it has ceased to be water, I suppose. $\endgroup$
    – MrWonderful
    May 15, 2014 at 16:38

0

Reset to default

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.