3.4.13

The Earth's Field

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Earth's Magnetic Field

Just like a magnet, the Earth has a magnetic field. This is because the Earth’s core contains iron.

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The Earth's core

  • The iron core causes a magnetic field around the Earth.
  • The Earth’s core is often described as acting like a giant bar magnet.
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Effect of the Earth's field

  • The magnetic field around the Earth is able to deflect ionising radiation from space.
  • We can see this deflection as the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights.
  • It is thought that birds, turtles and whales all use the Earth's magnetic field for navigation.
  • We also use this magnetic field for navigation when we use a compass.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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