Abstract
Bullen and Ramsey have shown that the reciprocal of the compressibility is a linear function of the pressure both in the Earth's core and in the mantle below 1000 km. In view of this result, it seems reasonable to suppose that a similar relationship exists between the reciprocal of the volume coefficient of thermal expansion and pressure. Support for this hypothesis is obtained by two independent methods (a) using Uffen's results based on the theory of solids, (b) using Murnaghan's theory of finite strain. Assuming the validity of the hypothesis, an estimate is made of the adiabatic gradient throughout the Earth. Taking the temperature at 1000 km. to be 3600° K., values of the temperature at greater depths are estimated. In particular it is found that the temperature at the boundary of the core is 4350°K., and at the center of the Earth a little over 4800°K. These results have considerable interest and bearing on Bullard's theory of the transfer of heat from the core.
Published Version
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