Analysis of Geodynamo Simulations and Comparison with Paleomagnetic Data

9903194 COE发电机模拟已经发展到可以在模拟的地磁场行为和观测数据之间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同时使用了地核内的热对流和成分对流，这些对流是由核-地幔边界上各种规定的热通量模式驱动的。他们现在已经产生了总计约150万个模型年的地磁场模拟，展示了偶极占主导地位的稳定的极性区间，不时出现漂移和反转。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野外行为进行比较，包括时间平均的野外数据以及方向漂移和极性反转的记录。这些比较将使发电机模型得到改进，并更好地了解地核和地幔深处的过程和条件，这些过程和条件对地球磁场的产生非常重要。

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.