On the peculiar nature of turbulence in planetary dynamos

Under the combined constraints of rapid rotation, sphericity, and magnetic field, motions in planetary cores get organized in a peculiar way. Classical hydrodynamic turbulence is not present, but turbulent motions can take place under the action of the buoyancy and Lorentz forces. Laboratory experiments, such as the rotating spherical magnetic Couette DTS experiment in Grenoble, help us understand what motions take place in planetary core conditions. To cite this article: H.-C. Nataf, N. Gagnière, C. R. Physique 9 (2008).