Earth’s magnetic core changed course deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, data reveals

Scientists reconstructed a sudden 2010 reversal in molten-iron flow about 2,200 km beneath the Pacific Ocean.

The flow switched from westward to eastward, based on decades of satellite and ground magnetic observations.

The result suggests Earth’s outer core is more dynamic than previously thought and may change faster than expected.

The finding could improve models of Earth’s magnetic field and help explain deep-Earth and space-weather interactions.