Navigating Earth's Magnetic Field with a Compass

A compass is a simple device that uses a lightweight magnet to align with Earth's magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic North Pole. However, the magnetic North is not the same as the geographic North Pole, leading to a discrepancy known as declination. This varies by location due to the non-uniformity of Earth's magnetic field. Additionally, the magnetic North Pole is not fixed and has shifted significantly over the past century. Despite these challenges, navigators can adjust for declination using charts and local calibration to ensure accurate navigation.

What is the primary reason a compass needle points towards the North Pole?

• The needle is influenced by the Earth's rotational axis.

• The needle is a lightweight magnet that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field.

• The needle is attracted to the Earth's gravitational field.

• The needle is drawn to the geographic North Pole.

Why is a compass not always 100% accurate?

• The compass needle is too heavy.

• The Earth's magnetic field is not uniform, causing declination.

• The magnetic North Pole is exactly at the geographic North Pole.

• The Earth's magnetic field is uniform.

What is declination in the context of compass navigation?

• The angle between the magnetic North and the geographic North.

• The distance between the magnetic South and the geographic South.

• The tilt of the Earth's rotational axis.

• The speed at which the Earth rotates.

How has the magnetic North Pole shifted over the last century?

• It has remained stationary.

• It has moved towards the geographic South Pole.

• It has shifted over 620 miles towards Siberia.

• It has moved towards the equator.

How can compass users ensure accurate navigation despite the shifting magnetic North?

• By using GPS technology exclusively.

• By ignoring declination charts.

• By using declination charts and local calibration.

• By relying solely on the geographic North Pole.