Generation of magnetic fields by large-scale vortices in rotating convection

Abstract

We propose a new self-consistent dynamo mechanism for the generation of large-scale magnetic fields in natural objects. Recent computational studies have described the formation of large-scale vortices (LSVs) in rotating turbulent convection. Here we demonstrate that for magnetic Reynolds numbers below the threshold for small-scale dynamo action, such turbulent flows can sustain large-scale magnetic fields --- i.e. fields with a significant component on the scale of the system.