Earth's magnetic field, computer artwork. The magnetic poles are shown as yellow lines. Magnetic field lines (blue) can be seen emerging from the sout
RMID:Image ID:2ACH595
Image details
Contributor:
Science Photo Library / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2ACH595File size:
54.1 MB (921.6 KB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
4973 x 3800 px | 42.1 x 32.2 cm | 16.6 x 12.7 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
30 April 2010Photographer:
MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARYMore information:
Earth's magnetic field, computer artwork. The magnetic poles are shown as yellow lines. Magnetic field lines (blue) can be seen emerging from the south magnetic pole and converging at the north magnetic pole, which is offset from the geographic north pole (white line) by 11 degrees. The field, which closely resembles that of a bar magnet, is thought to be generated by the dynamo effect. Inside the Earth's outer core, convection heating causes cells of ionised metal to rise and fall in a circular motion. These act like gigantic electrical currents, which in turn generate the magnetic field.