Scientists have discovered a new type of magnetic wave across Earth's outer core using the European Space Agency's (ESA) Swarm satellite mission.
The Swarm mission consists of three identical satellites and they can measure magnetic signals that originate from the Earth's core. The satellites can also measure other signs that come from the oceans, crust, ionosphere, and magnetosphere.
Since the launch of these satellites in 2013, scientists have been using their data to gain new insights into many of Earth's natural processes.
Now, a team of scientists discovers a new type of magnetic wave that oscillates every seven years and spreads westward at speeds of up to 1,500 kilometers per year.
Nicholas Gillet of Grenoble Alps University and the lead author of the paper said, "Geophysics have long theorized about the existence of such waves, but they have been thought to occur over much longer timescales than our research has shown."
The scientists combine satellite measurements from Swarm, German Champ, and Danish ørsted missions via a computer model of the geodynamo to know what the ground-based data was causing, and this has led to their discovery.
Their research showed Coriolis magnetic waves near a seven-year period.
Dr. Gillet said, "Magnetic waves are likely caused by disturbances deep within Earth's fluid core, possibly related to buoyancy plumes. Each wave is determined by its duration and typical length scale, and the period depends on the characteristics of the forces acting. For magnetic-Coriolis waves, the period denotes on the strength of the magnetic field inside the heart."
Scientists also think that there are other waves like this but with longer durations. However, they still need to do further research to find them.
This new research will help improve the scientific model of the magnetic field within the Earth's outer core and provide new insights into the electrical conductivity of the lower mantle and the planet's thermal history.
Also Read: New Images Reveal Earth's Strange Second Magnetic Field Generated By The Oceans
Earth's Magnetic Field
The planet's magnetic field serves as a protection from cosmic radiation and charged particles carried by powerful winds that escape from the Sun's gravitational pull. Without a magnetic field, life may be non-existent.
Therefore, understanding how and where the magnetic field is generated, why it fluctuates constantly, and how it interacts with the solar wind is crucial. It's also important, more than ever, to understand why it's currently weakening.
Although we can't do anything about these magnetic field changes, understanding this will help humanity be prepared for what's to come.
By measuring the magnetic field from space, it will allow scientists to go deeper into the Earth's core. The mineral and seismology physics may provide information about the material properties of the core.
Related Article: Terraforming Mars With Artificial Magnetic Field? Experts Say it's Possible Through Martian Moon Phobos, But How?
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Written by April Fowell
