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Geomagnetism: meaning, definitions and examples

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geomagnetism

 

[ ˌdʒiːoʊˈmæɡnɪzəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

Earth science

Geomagnetism refers to the study of the Earth's magnetic field, including its origin, characteristics, and variations over time. The Earth's magnetism is generated by the movement of molten iron within its outer core. Geomagnetism is crucial for understanding various geological and geophysical phenomena, such as plate tectonics and navigation. Additionally, it plays a significant role in protecting the planet from solar winds and cosmic radiation.

Synonyms

earth magnetism, geomagnetic field

Examples of usage

  • Scientists study geomagnetism to understand the Earth's core.
  • Geomagnetism affects how compasses work.
  • Researchers measure geomagnetism to track climate change.
  • Geomagnetism is important for navigation systems.

Translations

Translations of the word "geomagnetism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 geomagnetismo

🇮🇳 भौगोलिक चुम्बकत्व

🇩🇪 Geomagnetismus

🇮🇩 geomagnetisme

🇺🇦 геомагнетизм

🇵🇱 geomagnetyzm

🇯🇵 地磁気学

🇫🇷 géomagnétisme

🇪🇸 geomagnetismo

🇹🇷 jeomanyetizma

🇰🇷 지구 자기학

🇸🇦 المغناطيسية الجيولوجية

🇨🇿 geomagnetismus

🇸🇰 geomagnetizmus

🇨🇳 地磁学

🇸🇮 geomagnetizem

🇮🇸 jarðsegulfræði

🇰🇿 геомагнетизм

🇬🇪 გეომაგნეტიზმი

🇦🇿 geomagnetizm

🇲🇽 geomagnetismo

Etymology

The term 'geomagnetism' is derived from two roots: 'geo' meaning 'Earth' in Greek, and 'magnetism,' which describes the physical phenomenon associated with magnetic fields. The study of geomagnetism began in earnest in the 19th century, as scientists like Carl Friedrich Gauss and Jean-Baptiste Biot explored the Earth's magnetic properties. Prior to this, early navigation relied heavily on the Earth's magnetic fields, with magnetic compasses guiding sailors since at least the 11th century. As technology advanced, the importance of geomagnetism became more evident in areas such as telecommunications, navigation, and even studying the Earth's climate and its changes over geological time. Today, geomagnetism is a vital aspect of Earth sciences, contributing to our understanding of not only the Earth itself but also its interactions with the solar system.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,714, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.