geomagneettista

A geomagneettista, or geomagnetist, is a scientist who studies the Earth's magnetic field and its temporal variations. The field encompasses the geodynamo in the outer core that sustains the main geomagnetic field, as well as the short-term disturbances driven by solar activity and by interactions with the magnetosphere and ionosphere.

Core topics include the structure and evolution of the geomagnetic field, secular variation, and paleomagnetism, which uses rocks and sediments to reconstruct past field behavior. Archaeomagnetism applies similar methods to date human-made materials. The discipline also covers magnetosphere physics and space weather effects on technology and navigation.

Methods combine measurements from ground-based observatories, ships, aircraft, and satellites. Researchers develop global field models, often using spherical harmonics, to separate core and crustal contributions and to track pole drift. Paleomagnetic studies sample lava flows, sediments, and archaeological materials to infer ancient fields.

Applications include improving navigation and satellite operations, forecasting geomagnetic storms that can affect power grids and communications, and providing dating tools for archaeology and geology. The research also informs understanding of the Earth's interior and the geodynamo that sustains the field.

Geomagneettisti typically hold degrees in geophysics, physics, or earth sciences and work in universities, research institutes, and government agencies. They collaborate with colleagues in geodesy, seismology, oceanography, meteorology, and space science.