geomagnetism
Americannoun
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the earth's magnetic field and associated phenomena.
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the branch of geophysics that studies such phenomena.
noun
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the magnetic field of the earth
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the branch of physics concerned with this
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The magnetic properties of the Earth and its atmosphere.
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The study of these properties.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of geomagnetism
Explanation
Geomagnetism is the invisible force field that surrounds Earth and makes compasses point north. It is Earth's magnetic field. As Earth spins, molten metal deep within the planet constantly flows and circulates. The flowing metal conducts electricity, generating a magnetic field that extends into space and surrounds the planet. Geomagnetism helps protect Earth by deflecting a stream of charged particles from the Sun (known as the solar wind). It's important for navigation, as it's the reason compasses point north, and it allows migratory animals that can sense the field — such as birds and sea turtles — to find their way around the globe.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Blackett, a socialist who opposed nuclear proliferation, turned to geomagnetism after the war to distance himself from military work.
From Nature • Sep. 4, 2013
Around 200 papers a year cite sunspot data, in fields extending beyond solar physics to geomagnetism, atmospheric science and climate science.
From Nature • Mar. 20, 2013
Merrill, professor emeritus of earth and space sciences at the UW, offers a tour of the field of geomagnetism, explaining both its history and science's current understanding of the Earth's geomagnetic field.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2010
Its staff of 200 includes specialists in a wide range of fields relating to earthquakes, from chemical volcanology and crustal deformation to structural geology and geomagnetism.
From Time Magazine Archive
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
