The magnetic North Pole is a point through which Earth’s magnetic field converges and it continues changing according to the planet’s change in its molten core. In 1831, a pole was identified in Canada; however, they have drifted continuously towards Russia from then and up to date have traveled over 400 km in a hundred years. To monitor the direction, the movement is recorded with the help of the World Magnetic Model, the data being compiled every five years. In recent times, the drift has increased in rate, although the latter is quite unsteady. Understanding how it drifts is important not only for navigation systems but also to understand Earth’s magnetic field, which remains one of the major shields against solar radiation.
Why is the magnetic North Pole moving?
This has made the scientists reason that it might be activity going on in the earth’s core driving the magnetic pole to change place. According to the study, the iron and other molten metals moving about inside this Earth’s core develop the planet’s magnetic field. And the changes come about in this changing liquid iron as it flows into the outer shell of the planet, resulting in a magnetic pole shift due to the field having to change course with every adjustment.
What is the magnetic North Pole?
It is a point on the Earth’s surface where the planet’s magnetic field lines converge vertically. The geographic North Pole is the northernmost point on Earth, but this is not so with the magnetic North Pole; instead, it drifts with time. This drifting occurs due to changes in the Earth’s magnetic field, as it shifts based on the behavior of the Earth’s molten core.
How does the scientist keep a record of movement?
Scientists have traced the movement of Earth’s magnetic North Pole by means of a model called the World Magnetic Model that projects future data on where that point is predicted to be located. The World Magnetic Model, revised every five years, comes about through a merger of ground measurements and data retrieved from orbiting satellites, detailed in tracking of patterns and drift that indicates further direction and movement of the magnetic pole.
Accelerated and fluctuating movement of the magnetic North Pole
For several decades, scientists have known that the magnetic North Pole is moving at a pace that is greater than before. The pole was first discovered about 400 kilometers from Canada in the year 1831. This pole has since moved toward Russia over time. Recently, it has been more apparent as it has moved closer to Siberia. This has happened particularly over the last few decades.
The speed at which the magnetic North Pole moves has been changing. From 1990 to 2000, the pole drifted at a rate of 55 kilometers per year. The speed had decreased to about 35 kilometers per year by 2015. Again, this rate of drift could change again- increase or decrease-and scientists track it closely. Since the movement of the pole is not predictable, the WMM is updated regularly to provide the best possible predictions.
Importance of the magnetic North Pole’s movement for navigation and protection
The movement of the magnetic North Pole is significant because Earth’s magnetic field is crucial in navigation and protection of life. The systems, for example, GPS and compasses, rely on the Earth’s magnetic field to guide people and equipment. In addition, the magnetic field acts as a shield against harmful solar radiation. Once they understand the drift of the magnetic North Pole, scientists will easily predict changes that are to come about in the Earth’s magnetic field, a situation that may impact navigation and environmental protection of the planet.
Even though the speed of the magnetic North Pole drift has slowed, its future movement still cannot be predicted. Scientists are going to monitor the pole’s location and continue to update WMM to get fine predictions. At the end of 2030, they will reassess the model and come up with the latest information on the pole’s behavior and how it may move further. This ongoing research will keep the scientists posted on any drastic alterations in Earth’s magnetic field.
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