Who was Inge Lehmann and what did she discover?

Inge Lehmann was a Danish seismologist who, in 1936, discovered that Earth possesses a solid inner core.

How did Inge Lehmann discover Earth's inner core?

She analyzed seismic waves from earthquakes, noticing anomalies that indicated the presence of a dense, solid inner core.

When was Inge Lehmann's discovery of Earth's inner core confirmed?

Lehmann's hypothesis about the inner core was definitively confirmed in 1971 with the advent of more advanced seismic equipment.

Home / Science / Scientist Inge Lehmann's Hidden Earth Core Discovery

Scientist Inge Lehmann's Hidden Earth Core Discovery

21 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Inge Lehmann discovered Earth's dense inner core using seismic wave analysis.
Her 1936 paper 'P'' revolutionized understanding of Earth's interior.
Lehmann's work was confirmed decades later by advanced technology.

Scientist Inge Lehmann's Hidden Earth Core Discovery

In September 1936, Danish scientist Inge Lehmann published a pivotal paper titled 'P'', which unveiled a revolutionary theory about Earth's internal structure. Through detailed analysis of seismic readings from a 1929 earthquake, Lehmann deduced the existence of a dense, solid inner core, distinct from the known liquid outer core. This discovery challenged the scientific consensus of the time, which posited only a liquid interior.

Working in an era before digital computation, Lehmann meticulously performed complex calculations by hand to support her hypothesis. Her groundbreaking findings, though understated in her publication, explained anomalies in seismic wave behavior, particularly within the Earth's shadow zone. While supported by peers, her theory wasn't definitively confirmed until 1971 with advancements in seismological equipment.

Lehmann's work transformed geophysics, providing essential insights into how Earth generates its protective magnetic field and improving the exploration of the planet's interior. Recognized posthumously, her contributions are honored with awards and even her image set to appear on Danish bank notes in 2028.