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Magnetic Field - Secular Variation of the Vertical Component
of the Total Field Intensity for the Epoch 1995.0 |
What this map layer shows:
Lines of equal change in the vertical strength of the Earth's magnetic field in nanoTeslas per year.
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Background Information |
Sample Map
Magnetism
is a force produced between electric currents. Electric currents within
the core of the Earth create a magnetic field which surrounds the
Earth. This field is what causes a compass needle to point north,
and it can be seen in the aurora
that is sometimes visible at high latitudes. The magnetism of the
Earth is referred to as geomagnetism.
For thousands of years, people have tried to solve the mysteries of
the Earth's magnetic field, making the study of geomagnetism one of
the oldest of the geophysical sciences. As early as the 1600s, scientists
recognized the need for accurate and continuous measurements of the
Earth's magnetic field. The first permanent magnetic observatories
were established 150 years ago. Today, a global network of more than
200 magnetic observatories, supported by individual national agencies,
provides the data that form the foundation for the modern science
of geomagnetism. The U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) operates 13 magnetic
observatories as part of this global network.
As our society becomes progressively dependent upon advanced technological
systems, our need for geomagnetic data increases. Information collected
on the Earth's magnetic field is used to meet the growing needs of
Federal, State, and local governments, industry, academia, and the
public. We use geomagnetic data for mineral exploration, military
and commercial navigation, and geologic dating. Geomagnetic
storms (rapid variations in the magnetic field) pose significant
hazards to satellites, electrical power distribution systems, radio
communications, and geophysical surveys. The collection of geomagnetic
data allows scientists to provide advanced warning of geomagnetic
storms. An advanced warning of even a few minutes can save millions
of dollars in losses by permitting satellite and power system operators
to take mitigating actions.
Scientists at the USGS and at other agencies around the world compile
data on the magnetic field in five year increments, which is then
used to produce a model of the magnetic field called the International
Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF). Each IGRF model is based on data
collected in the recent past, preceding the model's construction,
and is intended to represent the field in the near future, following
the model's construction. Therefore the model for Epoch 1995.0 is
designed to reflect the magnetic field from 1995 to 2000. When referring
to a specific model, IGRF is followed by the epoch, as in IGRF 1995.
There are five basic elements that describe the direction and intensity
of the forces within the magnetic field. Direction is described by
declination and inclination; intensity is described by three components:
horizontal, vertical, and total field intensity. Five additional elements
describe the change over time, or secular variation, of the basic
elements. Magnetic intensity is the strength of the magnetic field,
and is described in terms of a horizontal component and a vertical
component. Vertical intensity is the vertical strength of the magnetic
field. The secular variation of the vertical component of the total
field intensity shows how the vertical strength of the magnetic field
is changing over time. This map layer was produced by the U.S. Geological
Survey.
The Magnetic Field - Secular Variation of the Vertical Component of
the Total Field Intensity for the Epoch 1995.0 map layer shows lines
of equal annual change in the vertical strength of the Earth's magnetic
field, derived from the International Geomagnetic Reference Field
(IGRF) for the epoch 1995.0. The change in intensity is measured in
nanoTeslas per year. The vertical field intensity and the secular
variation of the vertical field intensity change smoothly over most
of the Earth. Also available in the National Atlas are nine
additional map layers describing components of the magnetic field.
More detailed information on geomagnetism is available from the USGS
National Geomagnetism
Program and from the National
Geophysical Data Center Earth Magnetics page.
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