'Magnetic mayhem': Earth’s poles shifting faster than ever. What's next?
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Magnetic Shift
Earth’s magnetic north pole has been shifting rapidly, driven by changes in its outer core’s fluid motions.
Core Motion
Molten iron in Earth’s outer core generates the magnetic field, sustaining the geodynamo process for billions of years.
Pole Wander
The magnetic north pole’s complex movements, now toward Siberia, have accelerated in recent years.
Model Precision
The World Magnetic Model predicts shifts in Earth's magnetic field using data from satellites like ESA’s Swarm mission.
Digital Compass
Geophysicist William Brown explained how smartphones use magnetometers and the World Magnetic Model for precise orientation.
Credit: British Geological Survey
Scheduled Update
Updates occur every five years to refine predictions, as magnetic field changes are chaotic and not fully predictable.
Past Anomaly
In 2019, an off-cycle update was needed due to faster-than-usual outer core flow, shifting the magnetic north pole.
Navigation Assurance
Despite changes, the 2025 update ensures smooth functionality of GPS and navigation systems for everyday users.
Future Unfolds
Ongoing observations of the magnetic field provide insights into Earth’s inner dynamics, revealing the planet’s evolving behavior.