Physics
Scientific paper
Mar 1992
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992natur.356..329b&link_type=abstract
Nature (ISSN 0028-0836), vol. 356, March 26, 1992, p. 329-331. Research supported by British Petroleum Co., PLC.
Physics
42
Analytic Functions, Earth Core, Planetary Evolution, Solidification, Buoyancy, Heat Flux, Mathematical Models, Specific Heat
Scientific paper
To elucidate the relative importance of various physical effects on the thermal evolution of the core, an analytical model based on global heat conservation has been developed which describes the cooling of the vigorously convecting fluid outer core and the concomitant growth of the inner core. A simple form is obtained for the evolution of the inner-core radius which allows the consequences of changes to the model's input parameters to be readily assessed. For most of this evolution, inner-core growth is controlled primarily by the heat capacity of the outer core and the history of the heat flux into the base of the mantle. Heat sources associated with solidification of the inner core, including the release of latent heat and gravitational energy, have a secondary role but become more important toward the end of solidification. Using current seismic estimates of compositional changes at the surface of the inner core, it is concluded that the compositional and thermal buoyancy fluxes in the outer core are comparable.
Buffett Bruce Allen
Huppert Herbert E.
Lister John R.
Woods Andrew W.
No associations
LandOfFree
Analytical model for solidification of the earth's core does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Analytical model for solidification of the earth's core, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Analytical model for solidification of the earth's core will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1490382