Geomagnetism refers Earth’s magnetic field that extends from the Earth’s interior out into space, where it interacts with the solar wind, a stream of charged particles emanating from the Sun. The magnitude of the Earth’s magnetic field at its surface ranges from 25 to 65 microteslas (0.25 to 0.65 gauss). As an approximation, it is represented by a field of a magnetic dipole currently tilted at an angle of about 11 degrees with respect to Earth’s rotational axis, as if there were a bar magnet placed at that angle at the center of the Earth. The North geomagnetic pole, currently located near Greenland in the northern hemisphere, is actually the south pole of the Earth’s magnetic field, and conversely.

Causes for geo-magnetism:

• The origin of Earth’s magnetism lies in its outer core which is a more than 2,000-km layer that surrounds the central core or the innermost part.
• The outer core is comprised of liquid iron and some other metals like nickel.
• This liquid iron is in constant motion due to Earth’s rotation and various other reasons, and this motion produces a magnetic field.

The implications of the change in earth’s magnetic field in recent geological past:

• Constant shift is a problem for compasses in smartphones and some consumer electronics.
• The military depends on where magnetic north is for navigation and parachute drops, while NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Forest Service also use it.
• The entire transportation sector, especially aviation and shipping, depends on correctly knowing the position of magnetic north
• Airport runway names are based on their direction toward magnetic north and their names change when the poles moved.
• Similarly, it is crucial for militaries, for firing their missiles or for other purposes, and other civilian applications as well.
• Birds and animals: Shifting would bother some birds that use magnetic fields to navigate.
• Very highly charged particles can have a deleterious effect on the satellites and astronauts.
• The Earth’s climate could also change. A recent Danish study has found that the earth’s weather has been significantly affected by the planet’s magnetic field.
• The magnetic field shields Earth from some dangerous radiation.
• Electric grid collapse from severe solar storms is a major risk. As the magnetic field continues to weaken, scientists are highlighting the importance off-the grid energy systems using renewable energy sources to protect the Earth against a black out.
• The alteration in the magnetic field during a reversal will weaken its shielding effect, allowing heightened levels of radiation on and above the Earth’s surface.
• Other adverse impacts are decreasing accuracy and frequent update of instruments, increased cost and inconvenience.

Conclusion:

Earth’s north magnetic pole has been drifting so fast in the last few decades that scientists say that past estimates are no longer accurate enough for precise navigation. The magnetic north pole is wandering about 55 kilometers a year. Earth’s magnetic field is getting weaker, leading scientists to say that it will eventually flip, where north and south pole changes polarity, like a bar magnet flipping over. It has happened numerous times in Earth’s past, but not in the last 780,000 years.