See a Reversal
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At the simplest level, the source of Earth's magnetic field can be thought of as a giant bar magnet within the Earth.

In reality, the magnetic field is created by a complex interaction involving a churning, electrically conducting liquid metal outer core, the release of heat at the surface of the solid inner core, and the spinning motion of the Earth. (For a more detailed explanation, see What Drives Earth's Magnetic Field?)


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