Earth and Planetary Magnetism

How do planets maintain magnetic fields, and how can they be used to understand planetary structure and past histories? These questions are central to the work of the group, which works throughout the whole domain of magnetism. Both numerical simulation and direct observation (e.g. from satellites, or from historical measurements) are used to characterise how magnetic fields are generated in the Earth and other planets through "self-excited dynamo" action in conducting fluids, for example the liquid iron core of the Earth.

We also use magnetic fields as tools to elucidate the structure of the crust, and the electrical conductivity of the mantle. Palaeomagnetic studies are performed in a dedicated laboratory to understand past climate, solve tectonic problems and elucidate chronologies of sediments, and biological samples are being analysed to aid the understanding of degenerative diseases of the brain.

For more details, please visit the Earth and Planetary Magnetism group website