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Contents of 10.3 How does outer-core convection generate the magnetic field?

10.3 How does outer-core convection generate the magnetic field?

A simple view of the geodynamo.

Fig 10.15

A schematic diagram for the geodynamo

The geodynamo hypothesis supposes that spiraling convection in the metallic outer core functions very like coils of wire in a dynamo. The only major item lacking is an "exciter" field—an external magnetic trigger to cause the initial field to form. However, the igniting protosun could have done this.