Objective
We describe here an innovative strategy for understanding the so-called magnetostrophic regime of fluid flow in the Earth s core, and thus the mechanisms by which the Earth s magnetic field is sustained over time. The magnetostrophic regime is the state in which Lorentz (magnetic) forces are balanced by Coriolis (rotational) forces and pressure gradients and is thought to be the zeroth order force balance in the core. We propose a series of ground-breaking experiments using liquid sodium contained in a rapidly rotating sphere containing a differentially rotating solid inner sphere. For the first time electric current is injected into the fluid in different configurations in order that the Lorentz force is everywhere significant. Various other magnetic fields can be applied from the exterior and the interior. The influence of turbulence, viscous and magnetic boundary layers will be examined. The presence of instabilities and wave motion will be studied, and the existence of steady solutions will be naturally determined. Diagnostic measurements of magnetic fields and electrical potentials, and Doppler velocimetry will characterise the experiment. These unique experiments are backed by numerical calculations. Complementary studies will analyse the observed magnetic field over the last 400 years in the same magnetostrophic framework. An inverse method will be developed to find the initial state of the field that evolves in a manner compatible with observations. This will elucidate the interior structure of the magnetic field for the first time, determining the amplitude and morphology of the field. The importance of magnetic diffusion (Joule heating) will arise naturally, and fluid motion in the entire core will be found, allowing comparison with geodetic observations.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
ERC-2009-AdG
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Host institution
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.