geomagnetism
Planetary magnetic field
Geomagnetism is the magnetic field generated by Earth's molten iron core, which causes compass needles to point north and shields the planet from solar radiation.
The field shifts gradually over time; geomagnetic reversals—when north and south poles swap—are recorded in volcanic rock.
Scientists study geomagnetism to understand Earth's interior.
Continuous change or flow
- dipoleSeparated opposite charges
- field linesPaths depicting field strength
- intensityStrength or force level
- gaussMagnetic flux density unit
tesla · induction · permeability · susceptibility · ferromagnetism · paramagnetism · diamagnetism · remanence
Polar atmospheric light display
- southern lightsPolar luminescence, hemisphere opposite
- solar windContinuous stellar particle emission
- space weatherSun-driven orbital environment conditions
- charged particlesAtoms with net electricity
ionosphere · plasma · borealis · australis · corona · luminosity · ionization · spectral lines
Direction to the pole
- declinationAngular distance from equator
- lodestoneNaturally magnetic mineral
- bearingPosture or orientation
- orientationPosition relative to surroundings
mariner's compass · cardinal points · azimuth · navigational charts · wayfinding · deviation · variation · compass rose
Motion-to-electricity converter
- convectionHeat transfer via motion
- iron coreCentral metallic magnetic component
- nickelElement twenty-eight, or coin
- mantleCovering or wrap
rotation · inner core · outer core · heat flow · self-sustaining · Coriolis effect · fluid motion · electrical currents
Complete change of direction
- paleomagnetismRemnant magnetism in rocks
- excursionBrief recreational trip
Physics of planetary structure
- magnetometryMeasuring magnetic field strength
- observatoryFacility for celestial study
- data analysisSystematic information interpretation
flux
Continuous change or flow
- dipoleSeparated opposite charges
- field linesPaths depicting field strength
- intensityStrength or force level
gauss · tesla · induction · permeability · susceptibility · ferromagnetism · paramagnetism · diamagnetism · remanence · secular variation
northern lights
Polar atmospheric light display
- southern lightsPolar luminescence, hemisphere opposite
- solar windContinuous stellar particle emission
- space weatherSun-driven orbital environment conditions
charged particles · ionosphere · plasma · borealis · australis · corona · luminosity · ionization · spectral lines · Kp index
true north
Direction to the pole
- declinationAngular distance from equator
- lodestoneNaturally magnetic mineral
- bearingPosture or orientation
orientation · mariner's compass · cardinal points · azimuth · navigational charts · wayfinding · deviation · variation · compass rose · inclination
dynamo
Motion-to-electricity converter
- convectionHeat transfer via motion
- iron coreCentral metallic magnetic component
- nickelElement twenty-eight, or coin
mantle · rotation · inner core · outer core · heat flow · self-sustaining · Coriolis effect · fluid motion · electrical currents
reversal
Complete change of direction
- paleomagnetismRemnant magnetism in rocks
- excursionBrief recreational trip
geophysics
Physics of planetary structure
- magnetometryMeasuring magnetic field strength
- observatoryFacility for celestial study
- data analysisSystematic information interpretation
- magnetismferromagnetism, electromagnet, permanent magnets, magnetization, electromagnets
- geophysicsearthquake, earthquakes, seismology, seismic waves, seismograph
- geologybedrock, fault lines, faults, rock, basalt
geomagnetismgravity
Mutual mass attraction
gravitation · electrostatics · seismicity · geothermal activity · atmospheric pressure
- geomagnetic stormMagnetosphere disruption from solar activity