Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field (Figure 1.1) that behaves as if the planet had a gigantic bar magnet inside of it. Earths magnetic field also has a north and south pole. The magnetic field arises from the convection of molten iron and nickel metals in Earths liquid outer core.  Many times during Earth history, even relatively recent Earth history, the planets magnetic field has flipped. That is, the north pole becomes the south pole and the south pole becomes the north pole. Scientists are not sure why this happens. One hypothesis is that the convection that drives the magnetic field becomes chaotic and then reverses itself. Another hypothesis is that an external event, such as an asteroid impact, disrupts motions in the core and causes the reversal. The first hypothesis is supported by computer models, but the second does not seem to be supported by much data. There is little correlation between impact events and magnetic reversals. Click image to the left or use the URL below. URL:  Earths magnetic field is like a bar magnet resides in the center of the planet.
Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field ( Figure 1.1 ) that behaves as if the planet had a gigantic bar magnet inside of it . Earths magnetic field also has a north and south pole . The magnetic field arises from the convection of molten iron and nickel metals in Earths liquid outer core . Many times during Earth history , even relatively recent Earth history , the planets magnetic field has flipped . That is , the north pole becomes the south pole and the south pole becomes the north pole . Scientists are not sure why this happens . One hypothesis is that the convection that drives the magnetic field becomes chaotic and then reverses itself . Another hypothesis is that an external event , such as an asteroid impact , disrupts motions in the core and causes the reversal . The first hypothesis is supported by computer models , but the second does not seem to be supported by much data . There is little correlation between impact events and magnetic reversals . Click image to the left or use the URL below . URL : Earths magnetic field is like a bar magnet resides in the center of the planet .
earths magnetic field
earths magnetic field
has a north and south pole.
has a north and south pole.