How closely do the magnetic fields generated by geodynamos align?

AI Thread Summary
Earth's magnetic field is generated by three major geodynamos, which interact in complex ways. While the axes of rotation for each dynamo differ, they tend to partially align, resulting in variations in field direction near each dynamo. The strength of this alignment tendency is not well-defined in the discussion. Participants express interest in learning more about the mechanisms behind these geodynamos and seek scientific references for further information. Understanding these interactions is crucial for insights into Earth's magnetic field dynamics.
Hornbein
Gold Member
Messages
3,407
Reaction score
2,779
Here on Earth there are three major geodynamos that generate the magnetic field. My question is about how they interact. My guess that while the axis of rotation of each field is different, the fields they generate tend to align. My further guess is that they do so only partially so that in the vicinity of each dynamo the direction of the field is somewhat different. Is that right, and roughly how strong is the alignment tendency?

This is more of an Earth sciences or astrophysics question but I don't know where to go for such things so I'm taking a shot here.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hornbein said:
Here on Earth there are three major geodynamos that generate the magnetic field.
Interesting, I didn't know that. Do you have a link where I can learn more about the 3 mechanisms? Thanks.
 
Hornbein said:
Here on Earth there are three major geodynamos that generate the magnetic field.

Ohhh ??
you have some scientific references for that ??
 
This is from Griffiths' Electrodynamics, 3rd edition, page 352. I am trying to calculate the divergence of the Maxwell stress tensor. The tensor is given as ##T_{ij} =\epsilon_0 (E_iE_j-\frac 1 2 \delta_{ij} E^2)+\frac 1 {\mu_0}(B_iB_j-\frac 1 2 \delta_{ij} B^2)##. To make things easier, I just want to focus on the part with the electrical field, i.e. I want to find the divergence of ##E_{ij}=E_iE_j-\frac 1 2 \delta_{ij}E^2##. In matrix form, this tensor should look like this...
Thread 'Applying the Gauss (1835) formula for force between 2 parallel DC currents'
Please can anyone either:- (1) point me to a derivation of the perpendicular force (Fy) between two very long parallel wires carrying steady currents utilising the formula of Gauss for the force F along the line r between 2 charges? Or alternatively (2) point out where I have gone wrong in my method? I am having problems with calculating the direction and magnitude of the force as expected from modern (Biot-Savart-Maxwell-Lorentz) formula. Here is my method and results so far:- This...
Back
Top