Phil Livermore

Earth's magnetic field is a fundamental characteristic of our planet - important both for navigation and in protecting the surface from harmful radiation. Is it is generated within the liquid core of our planet, by a process termed the "geodynamo". Observations of both how the surface magnetic field is structured and how these structures change over time help constrain the geodynamo mechanism which is hidden from view.

My research interests are focussed on the dynamics of the Earth's core and the structure and behaviour through time of the geomagnetic field. Specifically, I study

Numerical and theoretical low-viscosity models of the Earth's core
Rapid dynamics in the Earth's core, such as waves.
Predicting the Earth's internal magnetic field and its impact on space weather.
Analysing change in the ancient magnetic field.
Numerical methods and computing.
I am a member of the deep-Earth research group that straddles the School of Earth and Environment and the School of Mathematics.