Computer Science
Scientific paper
Aug 1976
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1976natur.262..765p&link_type=abstract
Nature, vol. 262, Aug. 26, 1976, p. 765, 766.
Computer Science
26
Dynamo Theory, Mercury (Planet), Planetary Evolution, Planetary Magnetic Fields, Planetary Structure, Cores, Moments Of Inertia, Planetary Mantles, Planetary Orbits, Thermal Conductivity
Scientific paper
A feasible nonseismic observational experiment is proposed for determining the existence and extent of a conducting molten core within Mercury. This experiment would utilize the effects of a liquid core on the dynamics of Mercury's rotation; two necessary conditions for performing it are that the core must not follow the mantle's forced librations in longitude but must follow the mantle on the timescale of the 250,000-yr precession. A method is developed by assuming these conditions to be satisfied, and bounds are established on the core viscosity for which they are satisfied. It is shown that the value of the ratio of the moment of inertia of the mantle to the largest principal moment of inertia of the entire planet would indicate whether the core is most probably solid, partially fluid, or entirely fluid. Techniques are suggested for determining the unknowns required to compute the necessary ratio.
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