The magnetic north pole has shifted closer to Siberia, moving at an unprecedented rate of nearly 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) per year. This dynamic movement, which has accelerated in recent decades, challenges the accuracy of navigation systems reliant on magnetic data for everything from aviation to smartphone apps.
Historically, the pole moved much more slowly—about 10 kilometers per year—or less—but in 1990 its drift sped up to 55 kilometers per year before slowing back down to a stable pace of 35 kilometers annually by 2015. This latest update reaffirms the reliability of the World Magnetic Model (WMM), which has been used for decades to predict these shifts with remarkable accuracy.
The implications of this slow but steady drift are profound, especially as global navigation systems become increasingly reliant on technology like GPS and satellites. While a rapid shift could disrupt modern infrastructure, current scientific efforts focus on refining models and adapting engineering solutions to accommodate any future changes.
Ultimately, the magnetic north pole’s journey across the Arctic underscores our planet’s ever-changing nature and the delicate balance required to ensure global navigation systems remain reliable in an increasingly dynamic world.
Source: https://indiandefencereview.com/earths-magnetic-north-pole-moving-update