Geomagnetism

The study of geomagnetism is one of the oldest of the geophysical sciences. The geomagnetic fields have been observed and used from ancient times. Modern uses of geomagnetic data include navigation and mineral exploration. The National Geophysical Data Center develops and distributes models of the geomagnetic field and maintains archives of geomagnetic data to further the understanding of Earth magnetism and the Sun-Earth environment.

Paleomagnetic data, ground observations, and derived indices are managed by NGDC's Solar-Terrestrial Physics Division (STP) and collocated World Data Center for Solar-Terrestrial Physics.

Trackline (marine and airborne) data and derived geomagnetic models and software are managed by NGDC's Marine Geology & Geophysics Division (MGGD) and collocated World Data Center for Geophysics and Marine Geology.