Question

Assume that the geomagnetic field of the Earth is generated by a magnetic dipole that is located in the center of the Earth and whose dipole moment direction aligns with the axis going through the geographical south and north poles of the globe. With this assumption, compute the inclination of the magnetic field here, in Otaniemi. Inclination is the deviation of the magnetic field from the horizontal direction. (In other words, it is the tilt angle that the compass needle makes with the horizontal plane or which it would make if it were able to turn in all directions, up and down, in addition to left and right.) The coordinates of Otaniemi are 60∘11′ northern latitude and 24∘50′ eastern longitude (with the accuracy of degree and arc-minute). Consult any source and try to find the true measured magnetic inclination angle here at our place. How close is your result to this number?

Answer 1

Magnetic inclination at Otaniemi can be estimated using the latitude and the dipole approximation of Earth's magnetic field, resulting in a high inclination angle close to the poles. The exact measured value may differ due to Earth's complex geomagnetic field.

Step-by-step explanation:

The magnetic inclination at a given location on Earth, such as Otaniemi, is the angle between the horizontal plane and the Earth's magnetic field lines. The inclination can be calculated using the latitude of the location and approximating Earth's magnetic field as that of a dipole situated at the center of the Earth.

At the latitude of Otaniemi, which is 60°11' N, the magnetic inclination can be estimated by understanding that Earth's magnetic field lines emerge from the magnetic south pole and enter the magnetic north pole, similar to a bar magnet. Since the magnetic north pole corresponds to the geographic south pole and vice versa, a compass at the Equator would point horizontally, showing no inclination. As you move towards the poles, the inclination angle increases. For a place like Otaniemi, which is closer to the North Pole, the inclination will be steep but not vertical.

To find the exact value of the magnetic inclination, you would consult specific geomagnetic models or measurement data, such as those provided by a magnetic observatory. However, based on the latitude alone and assuming a simple dipole model, the Earth's magnetic field at Otaniemi would show a high inclination angle, possibly being around 75 to 80 degrees. The actual measured value may differ due to the complexities of Earth's geomagnetic field, which includes non-dipole components and variations caused by solar activity and changes in Earth's core.