In a recent development, scientists have reported unusual activity in high latitudes of the Arctic, indicating an accelerated movement of the magnetic north pole towards Russia. This unprecedented phenomenon has no historical analogues, raising concerns among researchers.
The Magnetic North Pole, which guides compass arrows in the Northern Hemisphere, differs from the stationary geographical north pole. Its position changes due to fluctuations in Earth’s magnetic field, caused by movements of liquid metal in the planet’s outer core.
Historically, until 1990, the pole moved gradually at a rate of about 10-15 km per year along the northern coast of Canada, before shifting towards the Arctic Ocean. However, in the early 2000s, the speed of movement spiked to 55 km per year. Although it has slightly decreased in the past five years to 25 km per year, it remains significantly higher than previous rates.
This movement is linked to changes in the flow of molten iron, located approximately 2000 km beneath Earth’s surface. These processes, driven by thermal exchanges in the core, form the planet’s magnetic field. Yet, accurately predicting the pole’s behavior is challenging due to the unpredictable nature of these mechanisms.
To monitor these changes, the World Magnetic Model, developed by the British Geological Survey, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States, are crucial. These models are updated periodically, with a new edition expected in December, and play a vital role in navigation systems such as GPS and smartphone compasses, as well as in military operations like submarine control in the Arctic.
Data on the pole’s movement is collected through ground stations and satellites, enabling the creation of detailed maps of the magnetic field for real-time monitoring. The significance of accurately tracking Earth’s magnetic field underscores the importance of ongoing research and vigilance in understanding these dynamic processes.