Dynamics of core and high pressure physics

Content

The core is believed to be the source of the magnetic field which is crucial for the maintenance of life on Earth. But how is the field generated, and what do we know about the conditions in the deep Earth. This course will combine mineral physics constraints with fluid dynamics and electromagnetism to attempt to explain how the convecting core is capable of maintaining the magnetic field through time. Synopsis: (i) Review of seismological constraints (PREM), Adams-Williamson equation, Geotherms, Adiabatic temperature profiles, Birch-Murnaghan EOS. (ii) Experimental methods - multi-anvil and diamond anvil cells. (iii) Introduction to Ab Initio methods for high pressure mineral physics. (iv) Review of Navier-Stokes equation, geostrophy, magnetostrophy and Proudman-Taylor theorem. (v) Convection, Rayleigh number. (vi) Review of Maxwell's equations, induction equation, kinematic dynamo concept, self-consistent geodynamo models. (vii) Observational geomagnetism, westward drift, jerks, torsional oscillations core-mantle coupling. (viiii) Energy budget of the Earth, entropy, heat engines, thermodynamical constraints.