How Quickly Is the Earth's Core Slowing Down?

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SUMMARY

The Earth's inner core exhibits a super rotation factor of approximately 0.1 seconds per decade, equating to a full revolution every 8.6 million years, as established by research published in 2007. This finding contrasts sharply with earlier estimates of one rotation every 400 years. The implications of this slow rotation are significant, particularly in relation to magnetohydrodynamic variations, as predicted by Gary Glatzmaier's geomagnetism model. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the dynamics of the Earth's core and its influence on geomagnetic phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geomagnetism and its models
  • Familiarity with the Earth's inner core structure
  • Knowledge of magnetohydrodynamics
  • Basic principles of rotational dynamics
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  • Research Gary Glatzmaier's geomagnetism model
  • Explore the implications of superrotation in planetary cores
  • Study the effects of viscous forces on core dynamics
  • Investigate the relationship between core rotation and geomagnetic variations
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Geophysicists, researchers in planetary science, and anyone interested in the dynamics of the Earth's core and its impact on geomagnetic phenomena.

Phrak
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1 Why does the Earth's core spin in relation to the crust?
2. How quickly are viscous effects slowing it down, if it actually is slowing down?

-deCraig
 
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The question whether or not the inner core spins faster than the mantle crust is debated for over a decade. The http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V61-4P7787K-1&_user=10&_coverDate=09%2F15%2F2007&_rdoc=21&_fmt=summary&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%235801%232007%23997389998%23667059%23FLA%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=5801&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=27&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=3884cd4132962947b1caff2d7fefdafb suggest that there is a very small super rotation factor around 0,1 sec per decade or 8.6 million years for a revolution, compared to the first estimates of one rotation every 400 years.

Why? Any explanation is speculation although Gary Glatzmaiers geo magnetism model predicted a superrotation. So he is happy. And if that's correct then obviously the spinning of the inner core would likely react on magneto dynamic variation.
 
Way cool, Andre. Thanks for the info.

I'm been suffering under the impression since gradeschool that the core rotated at a significant rate--far more than quoted in your references.

I was interested in this topic as to the origine of the Earth's magnetohydrodynamics sources, so it was nice to see it address in your links.

-deCraig
 

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