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Benton, E. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Benton, E. R..

61 records · Page 4
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NASA NTRS1982

Pole-strength of the earth from Magsat and magnetic determination of the core radius

A model based on two days of Magsat data is used to numerically evaluate the unsigned magnetic flux linking the earth's surface, and a comparison of the 16.054 GWb value calculated with values from earlier geomagnetic field models reveals a smooth, monotonic, and recently-accelerating decrease in the earth's pole strength at a 50-year average rate of 8.3 MWb, or 0.052%/year. Hide's (1978) magnetic technique for determining the radius of the earth's electrically-conducting core is tested by (1) extrapolating main field models for 1960 and 1965 downward through the nearly-insulating mantle, and then separately comparing them to equivalent, extrapolated models of Magsat data. The two unsigned fluxes are found to equal the Magsat values at a radius which is within 2% of the core radius; and (2) the 1960 main field and secular variation and acceleration coefficients are used to derive models of 1930, 1940 and 1950. The same core magnetic radius value, within 2% of the seismic value, is obtained. It is concluded that the mantle is a nearly-perfect insulator, while the core is a perfect conductor, on the decade time scale.

Voorhies, G. V.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Investigation of geomagnetic field forecasting and fluid dynamics of the core

Accomplishments to date were summarized in three parts submitted for publication. Goddard models and MAGSAT data were used heavily in the investigation which address: (1) the sensitivity of selected geomagnetic properties to truncation level of spherical harmonic expansions; (2) the pole strength of the Earth from MAGSAT, and magnetic determination of the core radius; and (3) frozen flux upper limits to the MAGSAT geomagnetic coefficients and relative multipole indices for Earth.

Benton, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Investigation of geomagnetic field forecasting and fluid dynamics of the core

The magnetic determination of the depth of the core-mantle boundary using MAGSAT data is discussed. Refinements to the approach of using the pole-strength of Earth to evaluate the radius of the Earth's core-mantle boundary are reported. The downward extrapolation through the electrically conducting mantle was reviewed. Estimates of an upper bound for the time required for Earth's liquid core to overturn completely are presented. High order analytic approximations to the unsigned magnetic flux crossing the Earth's surface are also presented.

Benton, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Investigation of geomagnetic field forecasting and fluid dynamics of the core

Progress in the use of MAGSAT data to confirm that the radius of the Earth's core-mantle boundary can be accurately determined magnetically is reported. The MAGSAT data was used in conjunction with a high quality manfield model for epoch 1965. The unsigned flux linking the core and mantle of the Earth is considered to be a legitimate invariant for a span of time. The value from MAGSAT of this constant is 16.056 GWb (gigawebers).

Benton, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Investigation of geomagnetic field forecasting and fluid dynamics of the core

The discovery of simple, theoretically sound upper limits for geomagnetic moments (dipole, quadrupole, etc.) provides a significant use of MAGSAT data, establishes useful constraints for future magnetic models, and bears strongly on the probable time required before the next polarity reversal can occur. The field models of MAGSAT data are of prime use and are highly suitable as supplied to date.

Benton, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Investigation of geomagnetic field forecasting and fluid dynamics of the core

An additional approach is being taken to address the problem of how to decide where to truncate spherical harmonic representations of geomagnetic data. The idea is to simply evaluate some aspect of interest at successively higher levels of truncation and then to chose that value of truncation level (N) which gives the most reasonable appearance of convergence. The preliminary determination of the onset of relative numerical stability at a truncation level of N=7 in two independent studies is thought to be a potentially significant result of practical value for field modeling. It requires further substantiation and explanation before dissemination.

Benton, E. R.↗