The Core Essayʼs
1. State one geological concept that is true but which was distorted in the film for
entertainment purposes. Be sure to explain in what ways the truth was changed into
fiction.
2. Explain why it would be highly unlikely that the terranauts could travel through a void
(empty space) in the Earth's mantle.
3. In the movie magnificent, huge Quartz crystals inside a large "mantle geode" were a
dangerous encounter for the terranauts. Explain first why this geode would not have
existed in Earth's mantle and second, why quartz crystals would also not have been
present in the mantle.
4. Why would temperatures and pressures inside the Earth's mantle and cores prohibit
subterranean travel to the Mantle-Core Interface.
5. What is the Earth's Magnetic Field? How is it generated? In what ways does it protect
Earth? Is it alone responsible for shielding earth's inhabitants from harmful solar
radiation? If not, what other factor assists in protecting living organisms from sun
energy?
6. State a line from the movie that is an outright scientific error. There are at least 2.
Who said it and why is the quote scientifically incorrect?
7. Provide details concerning the physical characteristics of Earth's Outer Core. What is
it like? What does it do? What is its composition? Exactly where is its location inside
Earth?
8. What is High Altitude Static Discharge and what is one gorgeous celestial
phenomenon resulting from this effect?
9. Virgil entered the Earth at the Mariana Trench and exited via a "space between 2
tectonic plates somewhere near Hawaii".
If you were the film's producer, why you would have chosen these 2 locations as the
entry and exit points for Virgil?
If you were a scientist critiquing the movie, comment on the choice of these 2 locations,
supporting your response with scientific facts.
10. Write about how changes in the Earth's Magnetic Field affected people and animals
on Earth, as depicted in the movie. Give at least 2 examples. Be specific then add
your own scientific commentary as to which of these details was distorted and how?
