Can the Earth's Magnetic Field Be Measured by Reversals?

In summary, the Earth's magnetic field is not strong enough to make powerful magnets, but it is sufficient to leave a measurable trace in some types of rock. The magnetic field frequency of the Earth can be measured by using magnetometers.
  • #1
Akmalidin
69
6
As we all know The Earth has a magnetic field. Why the objects on the surface of the Earth do not get magnetized? It is possible to measure the magnetic field frequency of the Earth?
 
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  • #2
Akmalidin said:
Why the objects on the surface of the Earth do not get magnetized?
They do. The magnetic field of Earth is not strong enough to make powerful magnets, but it is sufficient to leave a measurable trace in some types of rock.
Akmalidin said:
It is possible to measure the magnetic field frequency of the Earth?
It is a static field. It changes over long timescales, but not in a periodic way so "frequency" is not a very meaningful concept.
 
  • #3
Akmalidin said:
Why the objects on the surface of the Earth do not get magnetized?
They do.

Steel ships built in the Northern Hemisphere are magnetised in the opposite direction to those built in the Southern Hemisphere. The “magnetic detector” mines used in WW2 detected Northern built ships but not the Southern ones. Degaussing ships became very important. By cancelling or reversing the field “the ship could be made invisible”, but only to German magnetic mines.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degaussing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deperming

This appears to be the origin of the “Mare's Nest” now called the Philadelphia Experiment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Eldridge_(DE-173)#Philadelphia_Experiment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Experiment#Alternative_explanations
 
  • #4
Akmalidin said:
It is possible to measure the magnetic field frequency of the Earth?

did you really mean frequency or field strength ?
The Earth's magnetic field strength is measures by a number of sites around the world on a continuous basis
These warn of the start of geomagnetic storms that produce aurora ... the upsets in the magnetic field is caused by changes in the interplanetary magnetic field produced by the Sun

Magnetometers are used to detect fluctuations in the geomagnetic field. during the onset of a geomagnetic storm I have seen variations in the field of up to 40 - 50 nT ( nano Teslas). But even variations in the 15 - 30 nT range are quite significant

To just quickly expand on mfb's comment and link on magnetised rocks.
The discovery of magnetic striping of rocks on the seafloor was the final significant proof of seafloor spreading and the plate tectonics ( continental drift) theory

Dave
 
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  • #5
I guess you could use the frequency of reversals, which is irregular, but of order 100 fHz.
 

1. What is the magnetic field of the Earth?

The magnetic field of the Earth is a natural phenomenon that surrounds and protects our planet. It is created by the movement of molten iron in the Earth's outer core.

2. How does the magnetic field of the Earth affect us?

The magnetic field of the Earth plays a crucial role in protecting us from harmful solar winds and cosmic radiation. It also helps animals, such as birds and sea turtles, navigate.

3. Is the magnetic field of the Earth constant?

No, the magnetic field of the Earth is not constant. It is constantly changing in strength and direction, and even undergoes complete reversals every few hundred thousand years.

4. How do scientists measure the strength of the Earth's magnetic field?

Scientists use a device called a magnetometer to measure the strength of the Earth's magnetic field. This can be done on the surface or from satellites in space.

5. Can the magnetic field of the Earth be affected by human activity?

There is evidence that human activities, such as mining and drilling, can have a small impact on the Earth's magnetic field. However, these changes are negligible compared to the natural variations of the field.

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