Polar drift

The movement of Earth's North Magnetic Pole across the Canadian arctic.

Polar drift is a geological phenomenon caused by variations in the flow of molten iron in Earth's outer core, resulting in changes in the orientation of Earth's magnetic field, and hence the position of the magnetic north and south poles.

The North Magnetic Pole is approximately 965 kilometers from the geographic north pole. The pole drifts considerably each day, and since 2007 it moves about 55 to 60 km per year as a result of this phenomenon.[1]

The South Magnetic Pole is constantly shifting due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field. As of 2005 it was calculated to lie at 64°31′48″S 137°51′36″E / 64.53000°S 137.86000°E / -64.53000; 137.86000,[2] placing it off the coast of Antarctica, between Adelie Land and Wilkes Land. In 2015 it lay at 64°17′S 136°35′E / 64.28°S 136.59°E / -64.28; 136.59 (est).[3] That point lies outside the Antarctic Circle and it is moving northwest by about 10 to 15 kilometers per year. Its current distance from the actual Geographic South Pole is approximately 2860 km.[4] The nearest permanent science station is Dumont d'Urville Station. Wilkes Land contains a large gravitational mass concentration.

North Magnetic Pole[5](2001) 81°18′N 160°04′W / 81.3°N 160.06°W / 81.3; -160.06(2004 est) 82°18′N 113°24′W / 82.3°N 113.4°W / 82.3; -113.4 (2007) 83°57′N 120°43′W / 83.95°N 120.72°W / 83.95; -120.72 (2015) 86°17′N 160°04′W / 86.29°N 160.06°W / 86.29; -160.06[3][6]
South Magnetic Pole(1998) 64°36′S 138°30′E / 64.6°S 138.5°E / -64.6; 138.5(2004 est) 63°30′S 138°00′E / 63.5°S 138.0°E / -63.5; 138.0 (2007) 64°29′49″S 137°41′02″E / 64.497°S 137.684°E / -64.497; 137.684[7] (2015) 64°17′S 136°35′E / 64.28°S 136.59°E / -64.28; 136.59[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ North Magnetic Pole Moving Due to Core Flux, National Geographic News, December 24, 2009
  2. ↑ "Geomagnetism Frequently Asked Questions". NGDC. Retrieved 11 January 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 British Geological Survey - Magnetic Poles
  4. ↑ NOAA National Geophysical Data Center. "Wandering of the Geomagnetic Poles". Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  5. ↑ "Geomagnetism, North Magnetic Pole". Geological Survey of Canada. Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 11 January 2009.
  6. ↑ World Data Center for Geomagnetism, Kyoto. "Magnetic North, Geomagnetic and Magnetic Poles". Retrieved 2012-07-03.
  7. ↑ "Poles and Directions". Australian Antarctic Division. 2011. Retrieved October 11, 2011.


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