The PI proposes to continue computational studies of convection and magnetic field generation in the Earth's core using the Glatzmaier-Roberts model, which produced the first dynamically self-consistent computer simulation of the geodynamo. In particular, he proposes to investigate the potentially first-order effects of graviational coupling between the mantle and solid inner core and the effects of the mantle's precession on the dynamics of the fluid core. The PI also hopes to gain greater confidence in the geodynamo simulations by simulating, with a modified version of the Glatzmaier-Roberts model, a proposed laboratory experiment is being conducted by D. Lathrop at University of Maryland and is separately funded.
