Nimmo, F., Price, G.D., Brodholt, J. et al. (1 more author) (2004) The influence of potassium on core and geodynamo evolution. Geophysical Journal International, 156 (2). pp. 363-376. ISSN 0956-540X
Abstract
We model the thermal evolution of the core and mantle using a parametrized convection scheme, and calculate the entropy available to drive the geodynamo as a function of time. The cooling of the core is controlled by the rate at which the mantle can remove heat. Rapid core cooling favours the operation of a geodynamo but creates an inner core that is too large; slower cooling reduces the inner core size but makes a geodynamo less likely to operate. Introducing potassium into the core retards inner core growth and provides an additional source of entropy. For our nominal model parameters, a core containing approximate to 400 ppm potassium satisfies the criteria of present-day inner core size, surface heat flux, mantle temperature and cooling rate, and positive core entropy production.We have identified three possibilities that may allow the criteria to be satisfied without potassium in the core. (1) The core thermal conductivity is less than half the generally accepted value of 50 W m(-1) K-1. (2) The core solidus and adiabat are significantly colder and shallower than results from shock experiments and ab initio simulations indicate. (3) The core heat flux has varied by no more than a factor of 2 over Earth history. All models we examined with the correct present-day inner core radius have an inner core age of < 1.5 Gyr; prior to this time the geodynamo was sustained by cooling and radioactive heat production within a completely liquid core.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2004 RAS. This is an electronic version of an article published in Geophysical Journal International: complete citation information for the final version of the paper, as published in the print edition of Geophysical Journal International, is available on the Blackwell Synergy online delivery service, accessible via the journal's website at http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0956-540X or www.blackwell-synergy.com |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Environment (Leeds) > School of Earth and Environment (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Sherpa Assistant |
Date Deposited: | 06 May 2005 |
Last Modified: | 24 Oct 2016 21:33 |
Published Version: | http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/ |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2003.02157.x |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:437 |