Fluid motions induced by horizontally heterogeneous Joule heating in the Earth's inner core

The model presented herein suggests that interactions of the flow and magnetic fields through Joule heating may occur between the inner and outer cores. The flow field induced by Joule heating generates mass exchange through the ICB, causing absorption and release of latent heat and light elements. This process affects the flow field and the dynamo action in the outer core and possibly reflects on the distribution of the magnetic field. The variation of the magnetic field penetrates the ICB again and modifies the distribution of Joule heating and the resultant flow field in the inner core.