Dynamo action in cosmic bodies

Details Dynamo action in cosmic bodies Dynamo action in cosmic bodies

Oct 1982

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1982ap%26ss..87...89p&link_type=abstract

Astrophysics and Space Science, vol. 87, no. 1-2, Oct. 1982, p. 89-104

Physics

4

Cosmic Plasma, Cosmology, Dynamo Theory, Magnetic Diffusion, Ohmic Dissipation, Turbulent Diffusion, Field Theory (Physics), Interstellar Magnetic Fields, Solar Cycles, Space Plasmas, Stellar Magnetic Fields

Scientific paper

This paper is largely a reply to Cowling's (1981) review of the present status of cosmic dynamo theory and its alternatives of primordial or fossil field models. Central is the question of turbulent diffusion, without which plasma dynamos will not work but primordial magnetic fields are retained. Turbulence does not shred or divide fields into small-scale elements as claimed; instead it creates these elements in addition to the large-scale field which remains after Ohmic diffusion has destroyed the small fields. The significance of the existence of a terrestrial dynamo is stressed and various objections to the existence of a solar-type dynamo are discussed, including the steady divergence of theory and observational evidence over a quarter century. Cowling's criticisms of the primordial field theory are discussed; these include turbulent diffusion, the timing of the solar magnetic cycle, and the importance attached to observations in active and quiet magnetic regions.

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