The Fractured Core Hypothesis: Thermal Contraction Dynamics, Geochemical Transport, and Antipodal Volcanism in Large Impact Events.

This work presents the Fractured Core Hypothesis (FCH), proposing that Earth's solid inner core is not a monolithic sphere but rather a fragmented aggregate held together by gravitational and electromagnetic forces. We hypothesize that progressive fragmentation of the inner core, driven by thermal stresses, phase transitions, and rotational dynamics, fundamentally controls planetary magnetic field behavior, including polarity reversals, excursions, and long-term intensity variations. The hypothesis explains multiple observed phenomena through a unified physical framework: (1) geomagnetic reversals as consequences of fragment reorganization altering convection patterns in the outer core, (2) the correlation between inner core growth rate and reversal frequency, (3) seismic anisotropy and velocity anomalies as signatures of fragment boundaries and differential rotation, and (4) the hemispheric dichotomy in inner core properties as evidence of asymmetric fragmentation. FCH makes several falsifiable predictions including specific seismic signatures of fragment boundaries, correlations between reversal timing and inner core growth phases, and distinctive patterns in paleomagnetic records. We propose experimental tests through high-resolution seismic imaging, paleomagnetic analysis, and geodynamo simulations, with estimated budgets and timelines. If confirmed, FCH would fundamentally advance our understanding of planetary magnetism, core dynamics, and the long-term habitability of terrestrial planets. As an independent researcher, I welcome collaboration with members of the scientific community who find value in this work.Researchers registered as arXiv endorsers in Geophysics (physics.geo-ph), Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP), or related fields who are willing to support submission of this paper to arXiv are invited to contactthe author at [email protected]. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1089-9023