Liquid Sodium Models of the Earth's Outer Core

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Understanding the origin and dynamics of the Earth's magneticfield is the primary goal of this research. Laboratoryexperiments conducted in liquid sodium are used to reachEarth-like parameters to study fluid flow-magnetic fieldinteractions. Understanding the role of turbulence, globalrotation, and magnetic forces on the Earth's core are primaryissues addressed in the research. This project includesworking in collaboration with researchers involved insimulations of the geodynamo, in order to assist inbenchmarking computational models. This research also seeksto broaden its impact through the training of youngscientists, and through public outreach activities.Undergraduate and graduate researchers play a critical partin the project scientific activities. The mentoring offuture scientists is an important part in this experimentalresearch. Through lectures, participation in televisiondocumentaries, and by articles in scientific news magazines,this project seeks to improve the public appreciation andknowledge of science relating to the geodynamo and geophysicsexperiments.Lathrop