The role of inertia in models of the geodynamo

Fearn, D.R. and Rahman, M.M. (2004) The role of inertia in models of the geodynamo. Geophysical Journal International, 158(2), pp. 515-528. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2004.02369.x)

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Abstract

Numerical studies of the geodynamo have taken different views on the importance of inertial effects. Some have neglected inertia, while others have boosted its strength, in much the same way as they have had to take an artificially high viscous force because of numerical considerations. Yet others have taken an intermediate view. In terms of the standard non-dimensional numbers, the Ekman number E measures the strength of viscous effects, the magnetic Ekman number Eη measures the strength of inertia, and the magnetic Prandtl number Pm=E/Eη. Virtually all studies have Pm≥ 1 (Eη≤E), even though geophysical values give Pm≪ 1. Those studies that have undertaken parameter surveys have found no dynamo action when Pm < Pmc, where Pmc is an O(1) number that depends on E. We have therefore been motivated to undertake a systematic study of the effect of inertia. In order to work with a manageable problem, we have used a non-linear mean-field dynamo driven by an α-effect [α=α0 cos θ sin π(r−ri)]. In this, a finite-amplitude field drives a flow through the Lorentz force in the momentum equation, and this flow feeds back on the field-generation process in the magnetic induction equation, equilibrating the field. This equilibration process is a key aspect of the full hydrodynamic dynamo. What we are not modelling here is the effect on convective-driven processes of changes in inertia; our forcing α-effect is fixed considered the system in the absence of inertia. Here, we include the full inertial term. For an Ekman number of E= 2.5 × 10−4, we have investigated dynamo solutions for the magnetic Ekman number in the range Eη= 5.0 × 10−5 to 9.0 × 10−2 (corresponding to reducing Pm from 5 to ∼0.003). In this range we find three distinct types of solution. At the higher values of Pm we find solutions very similar to those found in the absence of inertia. The addition of inertia damps out the rapid time dependence found in its absence. The major effect we have found is that the addition of inertia (decreasing Pm) facilitates dynamo action; for a given level of forcing (i.e. fixed α0), increasing Eη results in an increased amplitude of the magnetic (and kinetic) energy. There is no shut-off of dynamo action with decreasing Pm as found in hydrodynamic models. This difference gives an insight into the various aspects of the dynamo process. By focusing on the field-generation process, using a fixed α that is independent of Eη, we have shown that inertia modifies the flow driven by the Lorentz force in a manner that is beneficial to field generation. The contrast between the present mean-field model and the results of hydrodynamic models shows that the effect of inertia on the driving process (thermal convection) is detrimental to field generation, more than compensating for the beneficial effect identified here.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Fearn, Professor David
Authors: Fearn, D.R., and Rahman, M.M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Geophysical Journal International
Published Online:14 July 2004

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