Despite the significant successes of science and technology in recent years, still not fully understood places and natural phenomena remain on our planet, sometimes having unusual “side” effects. Magnetic anomaly also belongs to such cornerstones of modern science.
By the way, what is it? The modern definition of this phenomenon implies that an anomaly can be recognized as a certain region on the surface of our planet, which is distinguished by a strongly altered value of the geomagnetic field. What are they like?
Science distinguishes three types of such formations on the surface of the earth. The most significant and largest are continental formations. Such a magnetic anomaly can occupy an area of more than 100 thousand square kilometers, but in its characteristics it differs slightly from the normal geomagnetic field of the planet. Their appearance is associated with certain characteristics of the Earth's core and faults in its crust.
The next type are regional abnormal formations. They occupy an area of not more than 10 thousand square kilometers, but their characteristics are somewhat more interesting. The geomagnetic field within them is much more altered, and the very appearance of such an anomaly is associated with the structural features of the earth's crust in this area.
The smallest are local formations. Such an anomaly is a change in the geomagnetic pole of the Earth, the area of which in some cases may not exceed hundreds of square meters. In most cases, it occurs due to mineral deposits located close to the surface of the planet.
By the way, it is the last property of the anomalies that is most valuable. Today, such places are even sought from aircraft precisely because of the fact that under them can often be located huge deposits of minerals. In this case, a magnetic anomaly can help save a huge amount of money, which would otherwise go to geological exploration of the area by traditional means. In addition, it is possible to identify clear boundaries of deposits, which also facilitates their development.
Often, the appearance of new anomalies indicates the beginning of global natural changes or even disasters. So, the poles of the Earth were by no means always “in the right place”. From time to time, their situation changes, and their change will inevitably lead to dire consequences for all the inhabitants of the planet. In particular, scientists say that the last such perturbation led to the mass extinction of all dinosaurs on Earth.
In general, our entire planet is a giant magnetic anomaly. We still do not know exactly why our Earth in general has the properties of a huge magnet. Many theories are put forward annually, not one of which has yet given a clear and unambiguous answer to this important question. In addition, it is not entirely clear why this magnetic field is constantly changing.
However, studying the anomalies on Earth, most scientists are inclined to conclude that the magnetism of the planet is due to the action of its core, which some compare with the "large generator".
