What layer lies directly above the inner core?

The layer that lies directly above the inner core is the outer core. The Earth’s structure is arranged in layers, with the inner core being solid and composed mainly of iron and nickel due to the extreme pressures at that depth. Above this, the outer core is in a liquid state, also primarily composed of iron and nickel, which allows it to flow. This flowing liquid layer is crucial to the generation of Earth's magnetic field through the dynamo effect, where the movement of conductive materials generates electrical currents. The transition from the solid inner core to the liquid outer core marks a significant change in the physical state of the materials, making it an important boundary in Earth's layered structure. Understanding these layers is essential in plate tectonics, as movements in the outer core can influence tectonic processes at the surface.