South magnetic pole

Definition

The South Magnetic Pole is the point on Earth's surface where geomagnetic field lines are directed vertically upwards. Unlike the geographic South Pole, its location changes over time due to changes in Earth's magnetic field.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The South Magnetic Pole is not fixed and moves due to changes in Earth's molten outer core.
2. It is currently located off the coast of Antarctica and has been drifting northwestward.
3. Magnetic poles are different from geographic poles; the magnetic pole can be quite far from the geographic pole.
4. The South Magnetic Pole was first located by scientists in 1909 during an Antarctic expedition.
5. Compasses point towards magnetic poles, which means a compass would point away from the South Magnetic Pole since it points towards magnetic north.

Review Questions

• What causes the South Magnetic Pole to move?
• How does the location of the South Magnetic Pole differ from that of the geographic South Pole?
• Why do compasses point away from the South Magnetic Pole?

Related terms

North Magnetic Pole: The point on Earth's surface where geomagnetic field lines are directed vertically downwards, currently located in the Arctic region.

Geomagnetic Reversal: An event where Earth's magnetic field reverses its polarity, causing magnetic north and south to switch places.

Magnetosphere: The region around Earth dominated by its magnetic field, which protects against solar wind and cosmic radiation.