Earth’s magnetic field is thought to be generated largely by an ocean of superheated, swirling liquid iron that makes up Earth’s outer core. © SA/AOES Medialab
Scientists using the European Space Agency’s Swarm satellites have discovered unusual changes deep inside Earth’s liquid iron outer core, about 2,200 kilometers beneath the Pacific Ocean.
Around 2010, molten material in this region suddenly reversed direction, shifting from a slow westward flow to a faster eastward movement.
Earth’s core is modelled in a numerical geodynamo simulation as part of research into geomagnetic jerks and rapid hydromagnetic waves. © Julien Aubert, IPGP/CNRS/CNRS Photothèque
Earth’s magnetic field is created by the motion of molten iron in the outer core, but scientists still do not fully understand how these deep internal movements work or how they affect the magnetic field. Using data from ESA’s Swarm mission, CryoSat, and ground instruments, researchers are tracking these changes to learn more about Earth’s hidden interior.
ESA’s constellation of three Swarm satellites identifies and precisely measures changes in our magnetic field. © ESA/ATG Medialab
The findings suggest the core may go through cycles or sudden shifts that could influence the planet’s magnetic field. Scientists now want to determine whether this reversal is temporary or part of a longer-term change happening deep inside Earth.
Why it matters:
Earth’s magnetic field acts like a protective shield, blocking dangerous radiation from space and helping keep satellites, communications, navigation systems, and power networks working properly.
The discovery of a major flow reversal deep inside Earth’s liquid outer core shows that the planet’s interior is changing in ways scientists still do not fully understand. These hidden movements directly influence the magnetic field that surrounds Earth.
Studying these changes could help researchers better predict future magnetic field shifts, understand events like geomagnetic jerks and wandering magnetic poles, and improve our knowledge of how Earth’s core powers the magnetic shield that makes life on the surface possible.
source ESA
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