Prof Jon Mound

Profile

2022-present Professor of Global Geophysics, University of Leeds
2013-2022 Associate Professor in Geophysics, University of Leeds
2006-2013 Lecturer in Geophysics, University of Leeds
2005-2006 Lecturer & Research Associate, Harvard University
2003-2005 Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
2001-2002 NSERC PDRA, University of British Columbia

2001 Ph.D. (Physics) University of Toronto
Thesis: 'Long-term rotational effects on the shape of the Earth and its oceans'
1997 M.Sc. (Physics) University of Toronto
Thesis: 'True polar wander as a mechanism for long term sea level variation'
1996 B.Sc. Hons. (Geology and Physics) University of Toronto
Thesis: 'A gravity study of the south-western termination of the Kapuskasing crustal uplift'

2014-2017 Secretary, British Geophysical Association
2014- Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society
2008- Member of the European Geophysical Union
1997- Member of the American Geophysical Union

Research interests

My research interests place me within the Deep Earth Research Group of the Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics. My primary research focus is the dynamics of the core-mantle system. Observed oscillations of the fluid and solid cores provide insight into properties such as the strength and morphology of the magnetic field within the core, the viscosities of the fluid and solid cores, the shape of the inner core and core-mantle boundaries, and the conductivity of the lowermost mantle. Core oscillations can be detected using observations of magnetic field variations, changes in length-of-day and polar motion, and changes in the gravity field. The global magnetic field is generated by fluid motions in the core, and by studying the structure and evolution of the magnetic field we can understand the dynamics of the core and its interactions with the overlying mantle. I am involved with the Space Weather Impacts on Ground-based Systems (SWIGS) project; my contribution involves developing forecasts of geomagnetic field properties that influence the impact of space weather events on the UK.

• Beyond 1D Structure of Earth's Core - Reconciling Inferences from Seismic and Geomagnetic Observations
• The first self-consistent dynamical simulations of asteroid dynamos

Qualifications

• PhD, Physics, University of Toronto
• MSc, Physics, University of Toronto
• BSc, Geology and Physics, University of Toronto

Student education

My Deep Earth research interests contribute directly to my undergraduate teaching in undergaduate modules and research projects.

I also teach methods such as gravity, magnetics, electromagnetics, resistivity, and GPR in undergraduate and master's modules. I participate in a range of both geophysics and geology field trips.

Outreach

We live on a fascinating planet in an amazing universe, it's what I study and I'm keen to share my interest.

Phil Livermore and I wrote a piece for The Conversation on reversals: Why the Earth’s magnetic poles could be about to swap places – and how it would affect us
Chris Davies and I wrote a piece for The Conversation on planetary magnetic fields and habitability: Life on Earth: why we may have the Moon’s now defunct magnetic field to thank for it
Iris van Zelst and I wrote a blog for the EGU Geodynamics blog on: Getting to the core of The Core

I have presented on the Earth, planets, and magnetic fields to: the Open University Geological Society, Keighley Astronomical Society, Headingley Cafe Scientifique, Otley Science Cafe, University of Leeds Be Curious Festival, University of the Third Age, Pint of Science festival, Leeds City Museum Cafe Scientifique, Cumberland Geologocial Society, Astronomical Society of Glasgow, Geological Society of Glasgow, Leeds Geological Association, Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, and various regional schools.

Research groups and institutes

• Deep Earth
• Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics