USGS CMG InfoBank: Source of the Earth's Magnetic Field

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Comment: 17:19 - 18:07 (00:48)
Source: Annenberg/CPB Resources - Earth Revealed - 3. Earth's Interior
Keywords: magnetism, "James Sadd", "magnetic field"

Our transcription: Magnetism provides more indirect information about the interior of the Earth.
The Earth is a giant magnet. Its magnetic field is generated within the core and acts exactly as if a giant bar magnet were present at the center of the Earth.
All magnets are surrounded by magnetic lines of force.
If I cover this magnet with a piece of paper and sprinkle iron filings on top, the magnetic lines of force become easily visible.
The magnetic lines of force that surround the Earth are capable of aligning the magnetic fields in rocks in the same way that they align the needle of a compass.

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Page Last Modified: Tue Feb 5 05:13:48 PST 2013 (chd)