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651-4017-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ERDW , D-PHYS

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Earth's Core and the Geodynamo

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Philippe David Marti, Dr. Stefano Maffei

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:09

Abstract

In Earth's core, motions of liquid iron act as a dynamo producing the geomagnetic field. This course explores the composition, structure and physical conditions in Earth's core and describes the geomagnetic field before focusing on the geodynamo mechanism. An interdisciplinary perspective is adopted involving electromagnetism and fluid dynamics but also seismology and mineral physics.

Objective

The objectives of this course are: (i) Development of the geophysical and sometimes mathematical tools needed to understand Earth's core and the geodynamo. (ii) Acquisition of knowledge concerning physical and observational constraints on the dynamics of Earth's core and the evolution of the geomagnetic field.

Content

(i) Structure and composition of Earth's core: Including PREM, Adams-Williamson equation, Inner core anisotropy, Geochemical constraints, High Pressure mineral physics Experiments, Phase changes, Adiabatic temperature profiles, Geotherms, Power sources for the Geodynamo. (ii) Observational geomagnetism: Spherical harmonics, Global field models, Westward drift, Jerks, Core field inverse problem, Core field structure and historical evolution, Polarity excursions and reversals, Time-averaged field. (iii) Theory of the Geodynamo: Review of Maxwell's equations, Induction equation, Alpha Effect and Omega Effect, Proudman-Taylor theorem Geostrophy, Rotating Convection, Experimental and numerical dynamos.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

CONTINUOUS PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT: There is a fraction of the final mark attributed to continuous assessment. Performance grading depends on both homeworks that are set weekly and also formal examination (no learning materials).

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Earth's Core and the Geodynamo	Wed 16:15-18:00 (ML J 37.1)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Earth Sciences Master
- Major in Geophysics
  - Restricted Choice Modules Geophysics
    - Physics of the Earth's Interior
Physics Master
- Electives
  - General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))