Dynamics of earth and planetary interiors

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The Earth and other planets of our solar system are dynamical bodies from their surfaces to their cores. Studies in comparative planetology address the dynamical history of the Earth and planets, the nature of large scale planetary turbulence, the origins of the geomagnetic planetary magnetic fields, the origin of life on Earth and the possibility of life on Mars. We use numerical models of planetary convection along with observational and analytical methods in projects that range from integrated studies of global and regional seismology and the dynamics of solid-state convection in the Earth's mantle to numerical simulations of winds and magnetic fields of the outer planets. The mantle dynamics and seismology study is aimed at understanding the fate of subducting slabs as they interact with the upper mantle transition zone and penetrate into the deep mantle. This work is being carried out with a PhD student and in collaboration with the global seismology group at U of A. In the planetary dynamics models, numerical simulations are compared to models derived from previous and ongoing space missions (such as the Cassini spacecraft, currently orbiting Saturn). This work is in collaboration with researchers from UCLA and the Max Planck Institute for Solar System research in Lindau, Germany. Coupled models of convective dynamo action and solar wind - magnetosphere interaction are presently being developed to study the Earth, Mercury and Mars. These models help us to understand Mercury's intrinsic and relatively weak magnetic field, which will be mapped by the MESSENGER spacecraft, starting with a flyby through the magnetosphere in January, 2008 and orbit insertion in 2011. Collaborators include the Space Physics group at U of A, and the Carnegie Institution in Washington DC -- home of the MESSENGER mission. A planned project on the early Mars dynamo will integrate core, mantle, amospheric, and magnetospheric dynamics. This project will benefit greatly from interdepartmental interaction through the newly created Institute for Space Science, Exploration and Technology (ISSET) at the University of Alberta.