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magnetic field

1. n. [Geophysics]

The magnetic field measured near the Earth’s surface is the superposition of magnetic fields arising from various time-varying physical processes that are grouped into four general components:

  • the main magnetic field
  • the crustal field
  • external disturbance field
  • local magnetic interference.

The significance of these contributions to direction, strength and stability of the magnetic field varies with geographic region and with magnetic survey direction.

See: main magnetic fieldcrustal magnetic fieldexternal disturbance fieldlocal magnetic interference