Articles | Volume 13, issue 6
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-13-595-2006
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-13-595-2006
01 Nov 2006
01 Nov 2006

Finite amplitudes helical waves on the surface of the conducting fluid earth core as an example of the self-exciting homopolar heterogeneous dynamo

V. V. Glazkov and O. A. Sinkevich

Abstract. Helical waves of the finite amplitude on a surface of the fluid conducting Earth core are examined for generation of the magnetic field. Estimates are made for the differentially rotating cylindrical conducting fluid body, with the helical surface wave structure on its top. This structure is similar to the self-exciting Faraday-disk homopolar heterogeneous dynamo. Estimations of angular velocity and magnetic field magnitude for a polar vortex on the surface of the Earth's liquid outer core gives reasonable numbers and proves this hypothesis to be of value for further detailed analysis. As magnetic field generation by the helical structure is a surface effect, it is possible to find connection between Earth magnetic field fluctuations and fast relief changes on the iron fluid core – the silicate mantle boundary of the Earth.