The Earth’s magnetic north pole is on the move, and its trajectory is raising eyebrows among geophysicists. For centuries, this invisible point has been nestled in the Canadian Arctic, a fixed star for navigators and a stable feature of our planet’s geomagnetic field. But in recent decades, it has picked up speed, racing across the Arctic Ocean towards Siberia at a pace that has left scientists both fascinated and concerned.
This rapid shift would be noteworthy on its own, but it’s the pole’s destination that’s truly capturing attention. According to geophysicist Stefan Burns, the magnetic north pole is hurtling towards one of the largest supervolcanoes on Earth: the Gakkel Supervolcano system.
The Gakkel Supervolcano, located beneath the Arctic Ocean, is a relatively recent discovery that has significantly expanded our understanding of Earth’s geology. It sits at the northern end of the Gakkel Ridge, which is part of the global mid-ocean ridge system. What makes this area unique is its extremely slow spreading rate—at just 6-12 millimeters per year, it’s the slowest spreading center in the world.
This slow spreading has created an environment where magma can accumulate and build up pressure over long periods. The result is a massive underground system capable of producing eruptions of staggering proportions. Evidence of past eruptions has been found in the form of a caldera—a large volcanic crater—with a volume of 3,000 cubic kilometers. To put this in perspective, this is significantly larger than the caldera left by the last major eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano, which occurred about 600,000 years ago.
The existence of this supervolcano alone would be cause for scientific interest. But the fact that Earth’s magnetic north pole is now racing towards it adds an entirely new dimension to the situation. Burns explains that the pole’s movement is likely due to changes in the strength of magnetic flux lobes deep within the Earth. The Canadian lobe, which had been holding the magnetic north pole in place, has weakened, while the Siberian lobe has strengthened. This imbalance has sent the pole racing eastward at a rate of about 40 kilometers per year.
At its current velocity, the magnetic north pole is expected to cross the entire Gakkel Supervolcano system in the next 25 to 30 years. This movement is more than just a curiosity for geophysicists—it could significantly affect the volcano’s stability and activity.
To understand why, we need to consider the unique properties of the magnetic north pole. This point isn’t just a mathematical abstraction—it’s a funnel for energy from space. The Earth’s magnetic field lines converge at the poles, creating what scientists call a “polar cusp.” This cusp acts like a funnel, directing charged particles from the solar wind down into the Earth’s atmosphere and, potentially, into the crust and mantle below.
Under normal circumstances, this energy input is spread out over a wide area of stable, thick crust. But the area where the Gakkel Supervolcano sits is different. Here, the oceanic crust is exceptionally thin—so thin, in fact, that in some places the Earth’s mantle is exposed directly on the ocean floor. This means there’s very little buffer between the surface and the vast reservoirs of magma below.
As the magnetic north pole moves over this area, it will concentrate the influx of solar energy and charged particles onto this thin-skinned, magma-rich region. The concern is that this extra energy input could potentially destabilize the already volatile supervolcano system.
Recent events have shown that the link between electromagnetic activity and geological events is more than theoretical. On August 17, 2024, a powerful solar storm triggered a geomagnetic disturbance on Earth. Within hours, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck Russia, followed almost immediately by a volcanic eruption just 65 miles to the north. This chain of events demonstrated a clear connection between solar activity, geomagnetic storms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
The Gakkel Supervolcano system has shown signs of activity in recent years. In 1999, the ridge experienced the largest earthquake swarm ever recorded on a mid-ocean ridge. This seismic activity was accompanied by the formation of new volcanoes on the ocean floor and even underwater pyroclastic flows—a type of eruption previously thought impossible under such high-pressure conditions.
Another seismic swarm occurred in February 2018, further confirming that this is an active and dynamic system. The combination of these recent activities and the approaching magnetic north pole creates a scenario that geophysicists are watching with interest and some concern.
It’s important to note that while the potential for a major eruption exists, the likelihood of such an event in the near future remains low. Geological processes typically unfold over thousands or millions of years, and even active volcanic systems can remain dormant for long periods. However, the unique circumstances surrounding the Gakkel Supervolcano—its location, the thinness of the crust above it, and now the approach of the magnetic north pole—make it a system that warrants close monitoring.
If a major eruption were to occur, the consequences could be severe and far-reaching. The immense volume of material ejected would likely include significant amounts of water vapor and other gases, which could have dramatic effects on global weather patterns and climate. The ash and gases released could potentially disrupt air travel, affect agricultural production, and impact global temperatures for years or even decades.
The movement of the magnetic north pole itself, while not directly dangerous, does have implications for navigation and technology. Many systems, from smartphone compasses to airport runway designations, rely on accurate knowledge of magnetic north. The pole’s rapid movement has already necessitated more frequent updates to global magnetic models, and this need may increase as the pole continues its journey across the Arctic.
As we consider these potential scenarios, it’s crucial to remember that our understanding of Earth’s deep processes is still evolving. The discovery of the Gakkel Supervolcano itself is relatively recent, and our ability to study such remote and extreme environments continues to improve. Each new piece of data helps refine our models and predictions, allowing for better preparation and response strategies.
The situation with the Gakkel Supervolcano and the magnetic north pole serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet. It illustrates the complex interaction between Earth’s magnetic field, its geological processes, and even influences from space. As we gain further understanding of these connections, we deepen our appreciation for the intricate systems that shape our world.
In the coming years, scientists will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the Arctic region. Advanced monitoring techniques, including satellite observations and seafloor sensors, will provide valuable data about both the movement of the magnetic pole and any changes in the Gakkel Supervolcano system. This ongoing research is not just an academic exercise—it’s crucial for understanding potential risks and informing long-term planning and policy decisions.
The journey of the magnetic north pole across the Gakkel Supervolcano system is a slow-motion event that encapsulates many of the most fascinating aspects of Earth science. It brings together concepts from geomagnetism, plate tectonics, volcanology, and even space weather into a single, engaging narrative. As this story continues to unfold over the coming decades, it will likely provide new insights into the workings of our planet and perhaps change our understanding of the connections between Earth’s magnetic field and its geological processes.
For now, the Gakkel Supervolcano remains a sleeping giant beneath the Arctic waves, and the magnetic north pole continues its steady march across the top of the world. Whether this convergence will result in geological fireworks or pass without incident remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Earth scientists around the world will be watching closely, ready to learn from whatever this unique natural experiment reveals about our dynamic planet.
The story of the wandering magnetic pole and the Arctic supervolcano is far from over, and each new chapter promises to deepen our understanding of the complex, interconnected systems that make our world turn.
Sources: YouTube Video: “Magnetic North Pole is Shifting into a Supervolcano” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PcV1_sjTts&t=817s Stefan Burns YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StefanBurns
