The Earth’s magnetic field is primarily created by processes occurring in the liquid core of our planet. Convection movements of molten metals, such as iron and nickel, generate electric currents, which in turn produce a magnetic field. This mechanism, known as the self-excited dynamo theory, explains the existence of geomagnetism. 

Earth’s magnetic field lines extend from one magnetic pole to the other, forming an area around the planet called the magnetosphere. The magnetosphere extends tens of thousands of kilometers into space and forms a barrier to protect us from the solar wind – a stream of charged particles emitted by the sun. 

It is worth noting that the magnetic poles do not coincide with the geographic poles. The Earth’s magnetic axis is inclined at an angle of about 11.5° with respect to the planet’s axis of rotation. Moreover, the position of the magnetic poles is not fixed – it is constantly changing over time. Currently, the north magnetic pole is moving at a speed of about 50 kilometers per year toward Siberia, while the south magnetic pole is moving much more slowly. 

Importance of the magnetic field 

Earth’s magnetic field plays a key role in protecting our planet from harmful cosmic radiation and solar wind. Thanks to the magnetosphere, charged particles are deflected and do not reach the Earth’s surface, which protects living organisms from their negative effects. 

In addition, the magnetic field is essential for navigation. The compass, one of the oldest navigational tools, works by interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field to indicate the direction of magnetic north. Modern technologies, such as GPS systems, also take into account changes in the magnetic field to provide precise position determination. 

Wandering poles 

Geological studies have shown that throughout Earth’s history there have been magnetic pole reversals, where the north and south poles swapped places. Such reversals have occurred irregularly, every few hundred thousand years, with the most recent occurring about 780,000 years ago. 

Nowadays, scientists observe with great interest the acceleration of the movement of the north magnetic pole. Although the exact causes of these changes are not fully understood, they are believed to be related to the processes occurring in the Earth’s core. 

Their dynamic nature leads to the movement of magnetic poles. Since the first measurements conducted in 1831, the north magnetic pole has moved about 2,250 km. In recent decades, its movement has accelerated significantly; in the 1990s, the speed was about 10 km per year, while today it reaches as much as 50-60 km per year. 

Recent studies suggest that this acceleration may be the result of changes in two large areas of negative magnetic flux at the border of the Earth’s core and mantle, located under Canada and Siberia. The weakening influence of the Canadian area has caused a shift in dominance toward Siberia, contributing to the acceleration of the pole’s movement toward Siberia. 

In 2017, the North Magnetic Pole crossed the International Date Shift Line, approaching the geographic North Pole at a distance of about 390 km, and then continued to move southward. Forecasts indicate that over the next decade this pole may move another 390-660 km toward Siberia. 

The greater the changes, the bigger the consequences 

Changes in the position of the poles are not without consequences for life on Earth. Many animal species, such as birds, sea turtles and some fish species, use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate during migration. Changes in the position of the magnetic poles can cause disorientation in these animals, which can lead to disruptions in their migration routes and affect their ability to find breeding or feeding grounds. 

Traditional magnetic compasses, which point north based on the Earth’s magnetic field, can exhibit deviations due to pole shifts. 

Although modern navigation systems such as GPS rely mainly on satellite signals, magnetic compasses still play an important role in some situations, especially in areas with limited access to GPS signals. Therefore, increasingly frequent magnetic map updates are becoming essential to ensure navigation accuracy. 

 Sources:  RMF, dzienniknaukowy.pl, arv.org, jednaziemia.pgi.gov.pl, medianauka.pl