Electronic edition ISSN 1574-0579

Numerical study of MHD phenomena occurring when a large meteorite approaches the Earth's surface

V. E. Fortov - E. V. Gubanov - A. P. Likhachev - S. A. Medin

Institute for High Energy Densities, Associated Institute for High Temperatures, Russian Academy of Sciences, IVTAN, Moscow 127412, Russia

Abstract
Non-stationary MHD phenomena occurring when a large meteorite approaches the Earth's surface are studied numerically using 2D and 3D MHD models. It is shown that after the bow MHD shock comes into contact with the planetary surface the elevated magnetic field diffuses from shock-compressed plasma to the planetary near-surface layer. The features of this process are discussed for various values of rock electrical conductivity. The substantial increase of the magnetic field in the rather extensive region of the Earth's near-surface layer is observed. This fact must be taken into account considering the origin of anomalous magnetization of crater-forming rocks at meteorite impact areas. Figs 6, Refs 10.