Which Way Does the Current Inside the Earth Flow?

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SUMMARY

The Earth's interior functions as a geodynamo, generating a magnetic field due to the flow of electric current in the molten iron of the mantle. The discussion confirms that the net current flows from east to west, resulting in electrons moving from west to east. This phenomenon explains the orientation of the magnetic field, where the northern magnetic pole acts as a South pole, causing the magnetic field to point north at the equator.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geodynamics and the geodynamo theory
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetism and electric currents
  • Familiarity with the Earth's magnetic field and its properties
  • Concept of molten iron behavior in planetary interiors
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of geodynamo theory in detail
  • Study the behavior of molten iron under varying temperature and pressure conditions
  • Explore the implications of magnetic pole reversals on Earth's geology
  • Learn about the measurement techniques for studying Earth's magnetic field
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Geophysicists, earth scientists, educators in geology and physics, and anyone interested in understanding the Earth's magnetic field and its dynamics.

Hornbein
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The Earth is a geodynamo. It is an electromagnet because a net current flows in the molten iron in the mantle. My question is, which way does the current flow?

The northern magnetic pole is a South pole, so the magnetic field points north at the equator.
 
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Hornbein said:
The Earth is a geodynamo. It is an electromagnet because a net current flows in the molten iron in the mantle. My question is, which way does the current flow?

The northern magnetic pole is a South pole, so the magnetic field points north at the equator.
I figured it out. Current flows from east to west. That means that electrons flow from west to east.
 

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