Core motions and core mantle coupling
We use models of the secular variation to invert for fluid motions close to the surface of Earth's core. Such motions are capable of explaining changes in the length of day on decadal timescales via angular momentum exchange in the inner core - outer core- mantle system. We are working on how to including improved dynamical constraints on core flow inversions and on how to determine physical properties of the core from observed changes in the angular momentum and secular variation.
Streak plot showing advection of tracers by flows between 1840 and 1990 from the core flow model uvm-s.