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arXiv · 1912.13158

The geodynamo for non-geophysicists

Friedrich Herrmann·Tobias Vorbach
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Abstract

The geodynamo usually appears as a somewhat intimidating subject. Its understanding seems to require the intricate theory of magnetohydrodynamics. The solution of the corresponding equations can only be achieved numerically. It seems to be a subject for the specialist. We show that one can understand the basics of the functioning of the geodynamo solely by using the well-known laws of electrodynamics. The topic is not only important for geophysicists. The same physics is the cause for the magnetic fields of sun-like stars, of the very strong fields of neutron stars, and also of the cosmic magnetic fields.

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Friedrich Herrmann, Tobias Vorbach. 2019-12-27. The geodynamo for non-geophysicists. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404%2Fab8780

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