GS PrelimsGeography (Physical)Structure and Interior of the Earth2005

Consider the following statements: 1. The axis of the earth magnetic field is inclined at 23 to the geographic axis of the earth. 2. The earth's magnetic pole in the northern hemisphere is located on a peninsula in northern Canada. 3. Earth's magnetic equator passes through Thumna in South India. Which of the statements is/are correct?

A

1, 2 and 3

B

2 and 3

C

2 only

D

3 only

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The axis of the earth's magnetic field is inclined at approximately 11 degrees relative to the geographic axis of the earth, not 23.5 degrees (which is the Earth's axial tilt responsible for seasons). 2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The earth's magnetic pole in the northern hemisphere (North Magnetic Pole) wanders significantly. While it has been located in northern Canada for a long time (e.g., on Ellesmere Island), it has been moving towards Siberia and is not fixed on a specific peninsula. 3. Statement 3 is correct. The Earth's magnetic equator (or dip equator, where the magnetic field lines are horizontal) passes through South India, very close to Thumba (near Thiruvananthapuram), making it an ideal location for the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS). 4. Based on the official answer key (D), only statement 3 is correct.

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