The Magnetic North Pole Is Drifting Across the Arctic Toward Siberia

Learn why the magnetic north pole has been moving away from Canada and toward Siberia over the past century, accelerating in recent decades.

By Jack Knudson
Dec 26, 2024 6:30 PM
north-magnetic-pole
(Credit: Yanik Chauvin/Shutterstock) The north magnetic pole, located closer to Canada a century ago, is now on its way toward Siberia.

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Right on time for the surge of holiday travel, a new iteration of the World Magnetic Model (WMM) has just been released, forecasting the future of Earth’s magnetic field. The updated model shows the latest location of the magnetic north pole, which has been gradually shifting toward Siberia over the past decades. 

What is the World Magnetic Model?

The WMM, required to update every five years, follows changes in Earth’s magnetic field. The model provides crucial information for the airline and shipping industries, which need to update navigation systems to reflect the recent data. The WMM is the standard model used by several U.S. government agencies and international organizations, and it even impacts civilians who rely on accurate GPS directions to reach their destination. 

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