An introductory guide to global magnetic field properties, Earth Magnetism addresses, in non-technical prose, many of the frequently asked questions about Earth's magnetic field. Magnetism surrounds and penetrates our Earth in ways basic science courses can rarely address. It affects navigation, communication, and even the growth of crystals. As we observe and experience an 11-year solar maximum, we may witness spectacular satellite-destroying solar storms as they interact with our magnetic field. Written by an acknowledged expert in the field, this book will enrich courses in earth science, atmospheric science, geology, meteorology, geomagnetism, and geophysics. Contains nearly 200 original illustrations and eight pages of full-color plates. * Largely mathematics-free and with a wide breadth of material suitable for general readers* Integrates material from geomagnetism, paleomagnetism, and solar-terrestrial space physics.* Features nearly 200 original illustrations and 4 pages of colour plates

The articles in this volume provide a detailed review of all aspects of the main magnetic field of the Earth produced within the Earth’s core: its past history, its long and short term changes, the way it is generated. The book contains the combined knowledge of geomagnetism coming from paleomagnetic and archeomagnetic data, centuries of terrestrial observations and from the past few decades of intensive space observations. There is considerable emphasis on the phenomenology and the physical processes of the evolution of the geomagnetic field on different timescales. The book reports fully on our understanding of the present state of the magnetic field and its expected evolution in the future.