Allgemeines Physikalisches Kolloquium

F

Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster

F

Experimental dynamos and planetary magnetic fields

Dr. Henri-Claude Nataf
Observatoire de Grenoble, Université Joseph Fourier-CNRS

Why is the Earth's magnetic field dipole aligned with its axis of rotation? This question has been the major guide for research on the origin of the magnetic field of the planets, over the past centuries. It is only recently that complete and coherent models have been produced, this enabling this question to be thoroughly addressed. The answer involves the dynamics of rotating fluids and the self-induced dynamo process. I will review the major characteristics of the Earth magnetic field and mention what is known of planetary magnetic fields. After a brief discussion of the historical landmarks of research on the origin of the magnetic field, I will focus on the challenge that represents the numerical modelling of the Earth dynamo, and present recent achievements (in particular the Karlsruhe and Riga dynamos) and future plans for experimental dynamos, an equally challenging and promising research field.

Einladender: Prof. Dr. U. Hansen

Ort: Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 10, IG I, HS 2

Zeit: Mittwoch, 05. Februar 2003, 17 Uhr c.t.

Kolloquiums-Kaffee ab 16:45 Uhr vor dem Hörsaal

Im Auftrag der Hochschullehrer des Fachbereichs Physik

Prof. Dr. H. Mehrer