A new ‘Model of the Earth’s Magnetic Environment’ (MEME)
The BGS Geomagnetism team has updated its 'Model of the Earth's Magnetic Environment'
— MEME. The paper has been submitted to Geophysical Journal International.
The 2008 version of MEME contains:
- a model of the time varying magnetic fields generated in the core of the Earth and in the magnetosphere
- a finer scale model of the static lithospheric field, revealing features down to scales of around 700km
It reveals details of, for example:
- Atlantic sea floor spreading features
- strong continental 'anomalies'
- weaker oceanic magnetic fields
Future versions of MEME will further improve the model of the core field, and include models of ionospheric and magnetospheric fields.
About magnetic field modelling
Geomagnetic field models are used in navigation, geophysical surveys, oil production and in scientific studies, ranging from the upper atmosphere to the Earth's deep interior. BGS has many years' experience in modelling the geomagnetic field on regional and global scales.
Further information
Visit our Geomagnetism site for further information on the work of the Geomagnetism team and to access free downloads of geomagnetic models.
Lithospheric model example
A new model of the vertical component of the lithospheric field; strongest lithospheric fields are shown in red and blue. Large continental anomalies and symmetrical features either side of the Atlantic sea-floor spreading axis are clearly visible.
Contact
Contact Alan Thomson for further information about the work of the Geomagnetism team
