Interpreting Angle of Dip on Earth's Surface

Understanding Angle of Dip

At a point A on the earth’s surface, the angle of dip, σ=+25o. While at a point B on the earth’s surface, the angle of dip, σ=−25o. These measurements provide insight into the magnetic properties of Earth's surface.

Possible Interpretations:

A. A and B are both located in the northern hemisphere.

B. A is located in the southern hemisphere and B is located in the northern hemisphere.

C. A is located in the northern hemisphere and B is located in the southern hemisphere.

D. A and B are both located in the southern hemisphere.

Question:

How can we interpret the angles of dip at points A and B on the Earth's surface?

Final answer:

Point A, with a positive angle of dip, is in the northern hemisphere, and point B, with a negative angle of dip, is in the southern hemisphere. The correct answer is option C.

Explanation:

If a student observes an angle of dip to be +25° at point A and -25° at point B, the interpretation of these angles relates to Earth's magnetic field. The angle of dip, also known as magnetic inclination, indicates the angle made with the horizontal by the Earth's magnetic field lines. A positive angle of dip generally indicates that the location is in the northern hemisphere, where the magnetic field lines point downward into the Earth. Conversely, a negative angle of dip suggests that the location is in the southern hemisphere, where the magnetic field lines point upward out of the Earth. Thus, we can deduce that point A, with a positive angle of dip, is located in the northern hemisphere, and point B, with a negative angle of dip, is in the southern hemisphere.

Answering the student’s question, the correct interpretation is: C. A is located in the northern hemisphere and B is located in the southern hemisphere.