Janice R. Andrews
The Earth’s magnetic North Pole is moving toward Russia at an unprecedented rate, a phenomenon that British scientists have never observed before. For centuries, the magnetic pole has been tracked as it drifted closer to the northern coast of Canada, then veered into the Atlantic in the 1990s. In recent years, it has accelerated toward Siberia.
Unlike the geographic North Pole, which remains fixed where all lines of longitude converge, the magnetic North Pole constantly shifts due to changes in Earth’s magnetic field. In the past, the pole moved approximately six miles per year between 1600 and 1900, but this pace increased to about 34 miles per year in the early 2000s. Over the last five years, the movement has slowed slightly to around 22 miles annually.
Why does this shift matter? The magnetic pole’s movement affects global navigation systems. It plays a vital role in guiding everything from smartphones and GPS devices to airplanes, ships, and submarines. Scientists monitor these changes through the British Geological Survey and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which collaborate to update the World Magnetic Model. This model ensures that navigation systems remain accurate.
The magnetic pole’s movement is caused by changes in the Earth’s outer core, which is composed mainly of molten iron. Shifts in how this liquid metal flows result in changes to the magnetic field, similar to the swirling of liquid in a large cup of tea, according to William Brown, a geomagnetic modeler at the British Geological Survey.
While the pole’s movement doesn’t pose immediate threats, it underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of Earth’s magnetic field. As the pole continues to shift, it offers valuable insights into the planet’s ever-changing processes.
