A magnetogenic framework integrating planetary magnetism and heat

Abstract. Planetary magnetic fields are commonly thought to be generated by a planet-interior dynamo, wherein convection cells convert mechanical to magnetic energy via induced electric currents. Europa and Callisto’s fields however are spawned by currents that are induced by the magnetic flux generated during their passage through Jupiter’s field, and are therefore generated via a magnetic to electric to magnetic energy conversion. The Earth-incident solar wind deformation of the geomagnetic field induces similar currents in Earth’s Outer Core. This article documents how solar wind induced currents regenerate the geomagnetic field and how waste heat from their magnetogenesis causes regional geothermal anomalies. This newly developed Solar Wind Induced Electric Dynamo (SWIED) framework explains the presence, magnitude, geometry and stability of the Earth’s dipolar and non-dipolar fields, as well as its current polarity. It clarifies the origins of Earth’s fluid Outer and solid Inner Core, and offers realistic mechanisms for geomagnetic excursions and reversals, secular non-dipole drift, and solar signals in the geomagnetic power spectrum. It accounts for the areas of high surface heat flow that originate in the Outer Core, thereby establishing the link between magnetogenesis, volcanism and continental drift.

The Gas and Ice Giants’ magnetic fields are very likely generated by similar SWIEDs, whose by-product is substantial magnetogenic waste heat that significantly contributes to emitted planetary radiation, largely explaining why these planets emit more energy than they receive through solar irradiation alone. The SWIED model rationalizes their magnetic field geometries and heat anomalies, and accurately hindcasts their magnetic field strengths from best-estimate input data.