The magnetic north pole has shifted closer to Siberia, continuing its unpredictable movement that has puzzled scientists for decades. The pole’s location is determined by the magnetosphere, a vast protective field generated by molten iron and nickel in Earth’s core. This dynamic nature means that the magnetic north pole is constantly shifting.
Historically, the pole moved relatively slowly, averaging 10 kilometers per year over the past 400 years. However, in 1990, its drift accelerated dramatically, reaching speeds of 55 kilometers per year. The phenomenon was unprecedented and left scientists scrambling to understand the cause. By 2015, this rapid drift began to slow, stabilizing at 35 kilometers per year.
The World Magnetic Model (WMM) is updated every five years to ensure accuracy in navigation systems. The latest update confirmed that the magnetic north pole’s drift has slowed after decades of accelerating movement. This unexpected change raises questions about the underlying forces driving its motion and their potential implications for technology and life on Earth.
The pole’s movement has significant implications for global navigation, particularly for systems reliant on magnetic data, such as aviation, shipping, and everyday smartphone apps. The WMM uses current data on Earth’s magnetic field to predict the future position of the magnetic north pole. The 2025 update introduced two versions of the WMM: a standard model with 3,300-kilometer resolution at the equator and a high-resolution model with 300-kilometer precision.
If the drift continues, navigation systems could experience errors, potentially jeopardizing safety. A reversal of the magnetic poles is also possible, but rare. Such an event would weaken the magnetosphere, exposing Earth to increased solar radiation and posing risks to modern technologies like satellites and power grids.
Scientists remain committed to monitoring the magnetic north pole and refining models that predict its movement. The advancements in high-resolution modeling represent a step forward, but the magnetic field’s behavior serves as a reminder of how dynamic and unpredictable our planet can be.
Source: https://indiandefencereview.com/earths-magnetic-north-pole-moving-update/