A compass needle points downwards at the magnetic north pole due to the vertical component of the Earth's magnetic field. At this location, the magnetic field lines converge and point directly into the Earth, causing the compass needle to tilt downward instead of remaining horizontal. This phenomenon occurs because the horizontal component of the magnetic flux is negligible at the magnetic north pole, resulting in a predominance of the vertical component.
PREREQUISITESGeographers, navigators, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of magnetism and navigation.