Abstract
This Special Topic focuses on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes in the deep interiors of planets, in which their fluid dynamos are in operation. The dynamo-generated, global, magnetic fields provide a background for our solar-terrestrial environment. Probing the processes within the dynamos is a significant theoretical and computational challenge and any window into interior dynamics greatly increases our understanding. Such a window is provided by exploring rapid dynamics, particularly MHD waves about the dynamo-defined basic state. This field is the subject of current attention as geophysical observations and numerical modellings advance. We here pay particular attention to torsional Alfvén waves/oscillations and magnetic Rossby waves, which may be regarded as typical axisymmetric and nonaxisymmetric modes, respectively, amongst a wide variety of wave classes of rapidly rotating MHD fluids. The excitation of those waves has been evidenced for the Earth — whilst their presence has also been suggested for Jupiter. We shall overview their dynamics, summarise our current understanding, and give open questions for future perspectives.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 5 |
Journal | Reviews of Modern Plasma Physics |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 Dec |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Fusion, Plasma and Space Physics
Free keywords
- Dynamos
- MHD
- Planets
- Rotating fluids
- Waves