MAGNETIC MERIDIAN Meaning and
Definition
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The magnetic meridian is an imaginary line on the Earth's surface that connects the geographic North and South Poles with the magnetic North and South Poles. It represents the direction of the Earth's magnetic field at a specific location. Unlike the geographic meridian (which aligns with the lines of longitude), the magnetic meridian varies in direction from place to place due to the Earth's magnetic field.
The Earth possesses a magnetic field that is generated by its core, which consists primarily of molten iron. This magnetic field extends out into space and interacts with charged particles from the Sun, giving rise to phenomena such as the Northern and Southern Lights. The magnetic meridian serves as a reference line for determining magnetic declination, which is the angle between the true geographic north and the magnetic north at a particular location.
Navigational compasses often rely on the magnetic meridian to indicate directions accurately. By aligning with the Earth's magnetic field, compasses can determine cardinal directions, aiding in navigation both on land and at sea. However, it is important to note that the magnetic meridian is not fixed and can slowly shift over time due to various factors, such as changes in the Earth's core or alterations in the planet's magnetic field strength. To account for these changes, updated maps and compass corrections may be necessary for accurate navigation along the magnetic meridian.
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The mean direction which a freely-suspended horizontal needle assumes when left to itself.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MAGNETIC MERIDIAN
- nagnetic meridian
- kagnetic meridian
- jagnetic meridian
- mzgnetic meridian
- msgnetic meridian
- mwgnetic meridian
- mqgnetic meridian
- mafnetic meridian
- mavnetic meridian
- mabnetic meridian
- mahnetic meridian
- maynetic meridian
- matnetic meridian
- magbetic meridian
- magmetic meridian
- magjetic meridian
- maghetic meridian
- magnwtic meridian
- magnstic meridian
Etymology of MAGNETIC MERIDIAN
The word "magnetic" comes from the Latin word "magnēticus", which is derived from the Greek word "magnētis" meaning "stone from Magnesia". This refers to the naturally occurring mineral magnetite, which has magnetic properties.
The word "meridian" has its roots in the Latin word "merīdiēs" meaning "midday" or "noon". In astronomy and geography, the term "meridian" refers to the imaginary north-south line passing through a point on the Earth's surface.
Therefore, the term "magnetic meridian" combines the word "magnetic", referring to the property of magnetism, and "meridian", denoting the imaginary line on the Earth's surface. In the context of navigation or magnetism, the magnetic meridian refers to the north-south line that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field at a specific location.
Similar spelling words for MAGNETIC MERIDIAN
- magnetic equator,
- magnetic variation,
- magnetic bottle,
- magnetic pyrites,
- magnetic compass,
- magnetic needle,
- magnetic flux unit,
- magnetic attraction,
- magnetic iron-ore,
- magnetic inclination,
- magnetic field,
- magnetic induction,
- magnetic north,
- magnetic moment,
- magnetic monopole,
- magnetic storage,
- magnetic declination,
- magnetic force,
- magnetic recorder,
- magnetic medium,
- magnetic levitation,
- magnetic dipole,
- magnetic storm,
- magnetic intensity,
- magnetic stripe,
- magnetic resonance.
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