Recent acceleration of the north magnetic pole linked to magnetic jerks

Surveys to determine the location of the North Magnetic Pole (NMP) have been conducted regularly since 1947 to serve two basic functions: to educate, and to provide valuable research. The public has always been fascinated and often misinformed about the nature and significance of the NMP. Thus, an NMP survey offers an ideal opportunity for public outreach and education. Scientifically, NMP surveys test the veracity of global magnetic field models such as the International Geomagnetic Reference Field. The act of determining the NMP's position also reveals facts about its motion that might otherwise be overlooked when using global models. The most recent survey of the NMR completed in May 2001, showed an unprecedented increase in the pole's rate of motion.