Current Distribution Models for the Earth's Main Magnetic Field: A Discrete Inverse Theory Approach

TL;DR

This paper applies discrete inverse theory to model Earth's main magnetic field using satellite data, providing insights into current source structures at the Earth's core surface and surface, and comparing them to traditional dipole and loop models.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of discrete inverse theory to Earth's magnetic field modeling with satellite data, offering a new perspective on current source structures.

Findings

Current source models are successfully derived using satellite data.

Source structures are represented as spherical surfaces at the Earth's core and surface.

Results are compared with traditional dipole and current loop models.

Abstract

Current source models for the Earth's main geomagnetic field are calculated employing conventional discrete inverse theory methods. Source structures are spherical surfaces placed at the surface of the Earth's core, and at the surface of the Earth. The data set consists of measurements taken by the MAGSAT satellite in 1979. The resulting current distributions are discussed in relation to dipole and current loop models.