The geodynamo for non-geophysicists
Popular Physics
2020-09-30 v1
Abstract
The geodynamo usually appears as a somewhat intimidating subject. Its understanding seems to require the intricate theory of magnetohydrodynamics. The solution of the corresponding equations can only be achieved numerically. It seems to be a subject for the specialist. We show that one can understand the basics of the functioning of the geodynamo solely by using the well-known laws of electrodynamics. The topic is not only important for geophysicists. The same physics is the cause for the magnetic fields of sun-like stars, of the very strong fields of neutron stars, and also of the cosmic magnetic fields.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1912.13158,
title = {The geodynamo for non-geophysicists},
author = {Friedrich Herrmann and Tobias Vorbach},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1912.13158},
year = {2020}
}