Analysis of Geodynamo Simulations and Comparison with Paleomagnetic Data

9903194 Coe Dynamo 建模已发展到可以对地磁场的模拟行为与观测数据进行有意义的比较的阶段。 Glatzmaier-Roberts 3-D 动态自洽超级计算机计算采用了核心中的热对流和成分对流，这些对流由核心-地幔边界处的各种规定的热通量模式驱动。他们现在已经对地磁场进行了总计约五十万个模型年的模拟，显示出偶极子主导的、稳定的极性间隔，其中不时有偏移和反转。研究人员建议分析这些地球发电机模拟，以便将它们与古地磁观测到的场行为（时间平均场数据以及方向偏移和极性反转的记录）进行比较。这些比较将导致改进发电机模型，并更好地了解对于产生地球磁场非常重要的地核和深层地幔的过程和条件。

9903194 Coe Dynamo modeling has advanced to the stage that meaningful comparisons between simulated behavior of the geomagnetic field and observational data can now be made. The Glatzmaier-Roberts 3-D, dynamically self-consistent supercomputer computations employ both thermal and compositional convection in the core driven by various prescribed patterns of heat flux at the core-mantle boundary. They have now yielded simulations of the geomagnetic field totaling about one and a half million model years that exhibit dipole-dominated, stable polarity intervals punctuated by excursions and reversals. The investigators propose to analyze these geodynamo simulations in order to compare them with paleomagnetically observed field behavior, both time-averaged field data and records of directional excursions and polarity reversals. These comparisons will lead both to improved dynamo models and to a better understanding of processes and conditions in the core and deep mantle that are important in generating the Earth's field.