Core Dynamics

Description

Treaties on Geophysics: Core Dynamics, Volume 8, provides a comprehensive review of the current state of understanding of core dynamics. The book begins by analyzing a subject of long-standing and on-going controversy: the gross energetics of the core. It then explains the important elements of dynamo theory; actual fluid motions in the core; the basic physical principles involved in thermochemical convection in the core and the basic equations governing the convection; and turbulence and the small-scale dynamics of the core. This is followed by discussions of the state of knowledge on rotation-induced core flows; the use of first-principles numerical models of self-sustaining fluid dynamos; and the behavior of polarity reversals in numerical dynamo models. The remaining chapters cover the various roles the inner core plays in core dynamics and the geodynamo; experiments that have shaped knowledge about the flows in the core that produce the geodynamo and govern its evolution; and ways the mantle can affect core dynamics, and corresponding ways the core can affect the mantle.

Self-contained volume starts with an overview of the subject then explores each topic with in depth detail

Extensive reference lists and cross references with other volumes to facilitate further research

Full-color figures and tables support the text and aid in understanding

Content suited for both the expert and non-expert

Cover 2
CORE DYNAMICS 5
Copyright Page 6
Table of Contents 7
Preface 9
Contributors 13
Editorial Advisory Board 15
1 Overview 17
- 1.1 A Scientific Journey to the Center of the Earth 17
- 1.2 State of the Core 19
- 1.3 The Search for a Dynamo Theory 21
- 1.4 Core Dynamics and the Geomagnetic Field 27
- 1.5 Core Energetics 28
- 1.7 Convection and Dynamo Action 30
- 1.6 Core Dynamics as a Heat Engine 30

Cover 2
CORE DYNAMICS 5
Copyright Page 6
Table of Contents 7
Preface 9
Contributors 13
Editorial Advisory Board 15
1 Overview 17
- 1.1 A Scientific Journey to the Center of the Earth 17
- 1.2 State of the Core 19
- 1.3 The Search for a Dynamo Theory 21
- 1.4 Core Dynamics and the Geomagnetic Field 27
- 1.5 Core Energetics 28
- 1.7 Convection and Dynamo Action 30
- 1.6 Core Dynamics as a Heat Engine 30
- 1.8 Simulating the Geodynamo 32
- 1.9 Mantle Effects within the Core 34
- 1.10 The Dynamical Inner Core 36
- 1.11 Future Prospects and Problems 36
- 1.12 Additional References 37
- 1.13 Summary of the Chapters in This Volume 37
- References 44
2 Energetics of the Core 47
- Nomenclature 48
- 2.1 Introduction 49
- 2.2 Core Structure and Magnetic Field Evolution 50
- 2.3 Energy and Entropy Equations 52
- 2.4 Present-Day Energy Budget 63
- 2.5 Evolution of Energy Budget through Time 70
- 2.6 Summary and Conclusions 77
- Acknowledgment 78
- References 78
3 Theory of the Geodynamo 83
- 3.1 Introduction 83
- 3.2 Basic Electrodynamics 85
- 3.3 Kinematic Dynamos 94
- 3.4 Laminar Dynamos 102
- 3.5 Turbulent Dynamos 105
- 3.6 MHD Dynamos 110
- 3.7 Final Remarks 117
- References 118
4 Large-Scale Flow in the Core 123
- 4.1 Introduction 123
- 4.2 Surface Core Flow from Observed Secular Variation 124
- 4.3 Higher-Resolution Flows from Detailed Models of SV from Satellite Observations 134
- 4.4 Angular Momentum – LOD Variation, and Correlation with Core Angular Momentum 137
- 4.5 Torsional Oscillations as a Probe of Core Structure 138
- 4.6 Wave Motion as an Explanation for Secular Variation 140
- 4.7 Polar Vortices 141
- 4.8 Modeled Core Flow and the Dynamics of the Core 143
- References 144
5 Thermal and Compositional Convection in the Outer Core 147
- Nomenclature 148
- 5.1 Introduction to Core Convection 149
- 5.2 Equations Governing Convection 155
- 5.3 Convection in the Absence of Rotation and Magnetic Field 163
- 5.4 Effect of Rotation on Convection 166
- 5.5 Convection with and without Rotation in the Presence of Magnetic Field 181
- 5.6 Heterogeneous Boundary Conditions and Stable Layers Near the CMB 194
- 5.7 Conclusions and Future Developments 196
- References 197
6 Turbulence and Small-Scale Dynamics in the Core 203
- 6.1 Introduction 203
- 6.2 Governing Equations 206
- 6.3 Parameters and Scaling 210
- 6.4 Scaling and Structure of Plumes 212
- 6.5 Dynamics of the Plume Region 213
- 6.6 Cascades and Transfers of Energy in Core Turbulence 216
- 6.7 Approaches to Parametrization of Turbulence 217
- 6.8 Unresolved Issues and Future Directions 218
- Appendix 1: Core Evolution and Buoyancy Flux 219
- References 221
7 Rotational Dynamics of the Core 223
- Nomenclature 223
- 7.1 Introduction 224
- 7.2 Inertial Oscillations in Spherical Shells 231
- 7.3 Precession 235
- 7.4 Tides 250
- 7.5 Interaction with Buoyancy and Magnetic Fields 252
- 7.6 Summary and Outlook 255
- References 257
8 Numerical Dynamo Simulations 261
- 8.1 Introduction 261
- 8.2 Basic Formulation of the MHD Dynamo Problem 263
- 8.3 Numerical Approaches 268
- 8.4 Model Results 277
- 8.5 Perspectives 294
- References 295
9 Magnetic Polarity Reversals in the Core 299
- 9.1 Observations 299
- 9.2 Models 304
- 9.3 Conclusions 311
- References 311
10 Inner-Core Dynamics 315
- 10.1 Introduction 315
- 10.2 Core Composition, Phase Diagram, and Crystal Structure of Iron 316
- 10.3 Solidification of the Inner Core 319
- 10.4 Grain Size and Rheology in the Inner Core 321
- 10.5 Origin of the Inner-Core Elastic Anisotropy 322
- 10.6 Origin of Other Inner-Core Seismic Structures 326
- 10.7 Inner-Core Rotation 329
- 10.8 Summary 330
- References 331
11 Experiments on Core Dynamics 335
- 11.1 Introduction 335
- 11.2 Rotational Dynamics 336
- 11.3 Thermal Convection in a Rapidly Rotating Spherical Shell 344
- 11.4 Magnetohydrodynamics 348
- 11.5 Experimental Dynamos 352
- References 357
12 Core–Mantle Interactions 361
- 12.2 Thermal Interactions 361
- 12.1 Introduction 361
- 12.3 Electromagnetic Interactions 365
- 12.4 Mechanical Interactions 368
- 12.5 Chemical Interactions 370
- 12.6 Conclusions 371
- References 372

Treatise on Geophysics

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