Planetary Dynamics

The group studies the interior dynamics of planets employing large scale computer simulations. The research mainly concentrates on dynamo mechanisms, convection in the rocky mantle of the terrestrial planets, and the flow in the atmospheres of the outer planets.

	Science Objectives
	Related Links
	Planetary Dynamics Homepage at MPS

Science Objectives

Planetary Dynamos

We simulate the magnetic field generation in the planetary interiors, try to understand how this process works and why the observed planetary magnetic fields are so different.

Mantle convection

The convective motion in Earth's and Mars rocky mantle is modeled to explain the different forms of volcanism found on these planets.

Planetary atmospheres

We investigate the large scale flows observed on the outer planets in order to understand the particular banded wind systems.

Related Links

Planetary Dynamics Homepage at MPS