- DescriptionProf. Vernon Cormier, Department of Physics, University of ConnecticutPhysics of Earth's Core Among the terrestrial planets, Earth has the largest magnetic field, driven by convective motion in an electrically conducing iron rich liquid outer core. This field has been sustained since nearly the time of Earth's formation, preventing loss of water and atmospheric erosion by the solar wind. Research to understand the evolution and dynamics of the core includes measurements and modeling of its gravitational and magnetic fields, the propagation of elastic waves sampling its interior, and the theories of condensed matter physics. Outstanding problems include the unknown light element composition of the outer and inner cores, the crystalline lattice structure of the solid inner core and that of iron at 360 GPa and 6000 deg. K, gravitational and electromagnetic coupling between Earth's mantle and solid inner core, the low shear modulus and Poisson's ratio of the inner core, and the possibility of the inner core being in a superionic state.
- Websitehttps://events.uconn.edu/physics-department/event/591645-graduate-student-seminar
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