Earths Magnetic North Pole Has Drifted From Canada Toward Siberia

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Earth has two different kinds of north to keep straight: geographic north, which is tied to the planets rotation, and magnetic north, which is defined by the direction of Earths magnetic field. Magnetic north is not fixed. It wanders as the magnetic field changes deep inside the planet. Scientists have tracked its position since measurements began in the Canadian Arctic in 1831. Over the past century it has moved more than 1,100 kilometers toward the northwest, and its recent motion has been especially noticeable. Research published in 2020 found that the pole accelerated from roughly 0 to 15 kilometers per year historically to about 50 to 60 kilometers per year during the period studied. In 2017 it crossed the International Date Line and passed relatively close to the geographic North Pole. Modern measurements continue to show substantial movement toward Siberia, although the exact speed changes over time. Scientists connect the movement to changes in the magnetic field generated by flowing material deep within Earth. The shift matters because magnetic direction is used by compasses and navigation systems, so models of Earths magnetic field have to be updated regularly. The World Magnetic Model, a standard reference for navigation, is updated on a five year cycle because the field is continually changing.