Project Details
Projekt
Scaling properties of dynamo models and planetary dynamos
Applicant
Professor Dr. Ulrich Christensen
Subject Area
Geophysics
Term
from 2004 to 2007
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5429299
Numerical dynamo simulations have considerably improved the understanding of the main spatial and temporal properties of the Earth's magnetic field. We now concentrate on assessing and improving the realism of models. One of the main concern in dynamo modelling is the large discrepancy in some key parameters between models and reality. To investigate whether our models are close to a relevant asymptotic regime we want to derive scaling laws that describe how properties of convectiondriven dynamos in rotating spherical shells, for example kinetic and magnetic energy, depend on the control parameters. The results will help to clarify the history and inner working of the geodynamo and other planetary dynamos. The fluid in the dynamo region of planetary cores is compressible to various degrees. While compressibility is considered to be very important in stellar dynamos, so far its relevance for planetary dynamos has not been systematically studied. We want to include compressibility in our dynamo models and assess the effect of increasing density stratification on the dynamo mechanism and the properties of the generated magnetic field.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
