The Role of Inertial Waves in the Geodynamo

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Peter Davidson

Le vendredi 10 février à 11h00 / salle de séminaires IRPHE

Abstract : Numerical simulations of the geodynamo are beginning to approach a dynamically relevant regime. It seems timely, therefore, to compare the results of the various simulations with the conceptual cartoons of the geodynamo that have been developed over the decades. One such cartoon is presented here, based in part on inertial wave dispersion within the Earth’s core. This cartoon is far from the standard model, but nevertheless seems reasonably consistent with the evidence of the numerical simulations. Of course, understanding the numerical simulations is not at all the same as understanding the geodynamo, but it seems a good place to start.

Peter Davidson, University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering