For an axisymmetric vector field, write . Pure differential rotation gives
This vector has no azimuthal component and is independent of , so its curl has zero radial and vertical components. Its azimuthal component is
The final braces are by Gauss's law for magnetism. The ideal magnetohydrodynamic induction equation therefore yields axisymmetric magnetic winding:
Differential rotation creates a toroidal magnetic field from the fixed poloidal magnetic field. A stationary field under the same purely rotational assumptions requires Ferraro's law of isorotation, .