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Global positioning systems, like the ones used by planes and ships, find the magnetic north with the help of the World Magnetic Model, as named in 1990. This model is developed by the British Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, notes the position of magnetic north and can predict future drift on the basis of their past few years’ trajectory. With a motive of preserving the accuracy of GPS measurements, the World Magnetic Model is revised every five years, which resets the north (magnetic north pole) and predicts for the next five years about the drift.
But why is it worth recording and observing?
The magnetic north pole in the convergence points of earth’s magnetic field in the northernmost tip. Magnetosphere is a term used for describing the cover of earth’s magnetic field. Though the magnetic north pole is never still, highly unusual behaviour of the magnetic north has been recorded by scientists. Ever since its discovery, the magnetic north has drifted from Canada to Russia. The recent fluctuations recorded are worth paying attention to.Though scientists expect the drift towards Russia to slow down, there is uncertainty. The magnetic field of the earth has shown unusual behavior many times in the past, so much that its polarity is reversed. This flips the magnetic poles and the changes can last for years. These flips are often difficult to predict. While animals migrate using the magnetic fields, weakened magnetic fields disrupt the weather, radio waves and navigation.
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Earth has seen many magnetic flips and reversals, but all of them occurred before humans started using modern technology
FAQs:
Are the north pole and magnetic north pole different from each other?
Yes
Is the magnetic field all over the earth?
Yes
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