Publication Date:
2014-07-30
Description:
Spacecraft data reveal a very Earth-like Jovian magnetic field [ Conner-ney et al. , 1998; Connerney , 2007]. This is surprising since numerical simulations have shown that the vastly different interiors of terrestrial and gas planets can strongly affect the internal dynamo process. Here we present the first numerical dynamo that manages to match the structure and strength of the observed magnetic field by embracing the newest models for Jupiter's interior [ Nettelmann et al. , 2012; French et al. , 2012]. Simulated dynamo action primarily occurs in the deep high electrical conductivity region while zonal flows are dynamically constrained to a strong equatorial jet in the outer envelope of low conductivity. Our model reproduces the structure and strength of the observed global magnetic field and predicts that secondary dynamo action associated to the equatorial jet produces banded magnetic features likely observable by the Juno mission. Secular variation in our model scales to about 2000nT per year and should also be observable during the one year nominal mission duration.
Print ISSN:
0094-8276
Electronic ISSN:
1944-8007
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
