Claim CD701.1:

Cowling's theorem proves that the dynamo theory of earth's magnetic field is wrong.

Source:

Barnes, Thomas G., 1973. Origin and destiny of Earth's magnetic field, ICR Technical Monograph No. 4.

Response:

  1. Cowling's theorem proves that an axially symmetric field cannot be maintained through a self-sustaining dynamo by an axially symmetric current. However, this theorem is limited to special cases. A symmetric field can be generated, for example, by nonuniform convection (Cowling 1981).

References:

  1. Cowling, T. G., 1981. The present status of dynamo theory. Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics 19: 115-135.
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created 2001-2-18