magnetic variation
"Magnetic variation" refers to the angle difference between magnetic north and true north, which is crucial for accurate navigation and is subject to change over time.
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Definition
C1Navigation
(technical, aviation, maritime)The angular difference between magnetic north and true north at a specific location, essential for accurate compass-based navigation.
Example
- Pilots must account for magnetic variation to ensure their headings are accurate.
- Navigators adjust their compass readings based on the local magnetic variation.
C1Geophysics
(academic, scientific)The deviation in the Earth's magnetic field direction from true north, measured in degrees.
Example
- Geophysicists study magnetic variation to understand changes in the Earth's magnetic field.
C2Cartography
(technical, scientific)The annual change in the direction of the Earth's horizontal magnetic field component.
Example
- Cartographers update maps to reflect changes in magnetic variation over time.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "magnetic variation":
magnetic deviationmagnetic bearingmagnetic compassmagnetic polemagnetic field