A New Geodynamo Model Using the Domain Decomposition Method on Parallel Computers

University Of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Abstract

Schubert 0105945 The main objective of this research project is to develop a new generation numerical geodynamo model based on a domain decomposition technique that divides the fluid part of the Earth's core into six identical subdomains with the same metric tensor and nearly uniform grids. The computationally expensive Legendre transform is no longer needed and many available efficient algorithms can be used in each subdomain. The pole singularities of spherical coordinates are removed. The new model will be particularly suitable for efficient implementation on parallel computers. Preliminary results obtained for a kinematic dynamo model show that the proposed domain decomposition technique is both workable and extremely efficient. A convection-driven, nonlinear geodynamo model will be developed for a rotating spherical shell that will operate at an Ekman number smaller than 10^{-6}.