While a weakening of the geomagnetic field is recorded in most regions of the planet, a unique and opposite trend is observed over the territory of Ukraine. Over the past 125 years, the intensity of the magnetic field in this region has increased by 4,000 nanotesla. This was stated by Mykhailo Orlyuk, Professor at the S.I. Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
Geomagnetic paradox
Deep processes occurring in the Earth's interior proceed extremely unevenly. While in the South Atlantic and Caribbean basin zones the intensity of the magnetic field is dropping rapidly — by approximately 100-120 nanotesla annually — in Europe, and specifically in Ukraine, the opposite effect is recorded.
According to calculations for the Kyiv Magnetic Observatory, the magnetic field has increased by 4,000 nanotesla over 125 years. For comparison: a change of even 500-600 nanotesla is already considered a serious anomaly. These figures indicate that the Earth's interior beneath our region is in a state of active transformation, determining the geomagnetic structure of all of Europe.
Local anomalies and navigation
The territory of Ukraine possesses a unique spectrum of geological structures, which is clearly reflected on the geomagnetic map. The most intense anomalies are concentrated in zones with powerful magnetic fields. In these zones, deviations from the "normal" field reach 30-40 thousand nanotesla.
Such local anomalies significantly affect parameters, for example, magnetic declination, which is critically important for navigation. This is why the Institute of Geophysics conducts constant measurements to meet the needs of the Ukrainian aviation service.
No threat of catastrophe
Despite active changes, there are currently no grounds to speak of instant catastrophic consequences or a threat on a global scale. Scientists emphasize that the processes of magnetic field change are stretched over decades and centuries.
"We are indeed at a stage of active changes in the magnetic field, but they do not happen instantly. These are processes stretched over tens and hundreds of years, so there is no basis to talk about radical changes in a matter of days or years," Orlyuk stated.
It is worth noting that Ukrainian scientists are using this data for practical purposes. With the help of new digital geomagnetic maps, a navigation technology for unmanned aerial vehicles is being developed, which will allow orientation on the ground without using GPS.