Thermodynamic Limits on Magnetodynamos in Rocky Exoplanets

TL;DR

This study models the thermal evolution of rocky exoplanets to determine the conditions under which they can sustain magnetic dynamos, revealing size, composition, and tectonic factors influencing magnetic field generation.

Contribution

It introduces a parametric model that predicts magnetic dynamo activity in rocky exoplanets based on mass, composition, and tectonic regime, extending understanding beyond Earth.

Findings

Dynamo activity depends on core size and tectonic regime.

Planets over 2.5 Earth masses likely lack inner cores and dynamos.

Alternative magnetic field sources include eddy currents and ocean layers.

Abstract

To ascertain whether magnetic dynamos operate in rocky exoplanets more massive or hotter than the Earth, we developed a parametric model of a differentiated rocky planet and its thermal evolution. Our model reproduces the established properties of Earth's interior and magnetic field at the present time. When applied to Venus, assuming that planet lacks plate tectonics and has a dehydrated mantle with an elevated viscosity, the model shows that the dynamo shuts down or never operated. Our model predicts that at a fixed planet mass, dynamo history is sensitive to core size, but not to the initial inventory of long-lived, heat-producing radionuclides. It predicts that rocky planets larger than 2.5 Earth masses will not develop inner cores because the temperature-pressure slope of the iron solidus becomes flatter than that of the core adiabat. Instead, iron "snow" will condense near or at the top of these cores, and the net transfer of latent heat upwards will suppress convection and a dynamo. More massive planets can have anemic dynamos due to core cooling, but only if they have mobile lids (plate tectonics). The lifetime of these dynamos is shorter with increasing planet mass but longer with higher surface temperature. Massive Venus-like planets with stagnant lids and more viscous mantles will lack dynamos altogether. We identify two alternative sources of magnetic fields on rocky planets: eddy currents induced in the hot or molten upper layers of planets on very short period orbits, and dynamos in the ionic conducting layers of "ocean" planets with ~10% mass in an upper mantle of water (ice).