Rapidly Rotating Magnetohydrodynamics and the Geodynamo

Emmanuel Dormy (PSL)

Wednesday 18th February 15:00-16:00
Maths 311B

Abstract

The problem of the Geodynamo is simple to formulate (Why does the Earth possess a magnetic field?), yet it proves surprisingly hard to address. As with most geophysical flows, the fluid flow of molten iron in the Earth's core is strongly influenced by the Coriolis effect. Because the liquid is electrically conducting, it is also strongly influenced by the Lorentz force. The balance is unusual in that, whereas each of these effects considered separately tends to impede the flow, the magnetic field in the Earth's core relaxes the effect of the rapid rotation and allows the development of a large-scale flow in the core that in turn regenerates the field. I will covers some recent developments, including with Rob Teed here in Glasgow, regarding the interplay between rotation and magnetic fields and how it affects the flow in the Earth's core.

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