If Venus's core is still liquid, what is the primary limiting factor suggested to prevent the dynamo from starting?
Answer
Lack of adequate convection due to slow rotation or low temperature contrast.
The magnetic field is a direct diagnostic for the presence of a liquid, convecting outer core. If Venus's core remains liquid, its failure to generate a dynamo points toward kinetic or thermal stagnation within that fluid. Specifically, the lack of sufficient Coriolis forces due to the extremely slow rotation prevents the necessary organized movement. Alternatively, the convection might be insufficient if there is not a significant temperature difference driving heat loss from the core into the mantle, meaning the fluid is not circulating vigorously enough to generate the field, even if it remains liquid.
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