how does the angle of dip vary from equator to poles?
Dear Student,
Let us begin with the definition of magnetic dip.
Magnetic dip or magnetic inclination at a place is defined as the angle which the direction of the total strength of the earth’s magnetic field makes with horizontal line in magnetic meridian . It is represented by the symbol δ Dip circle is the instrument used for measuring the value of magnetic dip. See the figure below:
At different places on the surface of the earth δ is different. At the two magnetic poles, the magnetic needle rests vertically. Therefore , angle of dip at the two poles is 900. On the magnetic equator, the angle of dip is 0 as the needle would rest horizontally at the magnetic equator. At other places the value of dip angle lies between 0 and 90 degrees.
Therefore, the angle of dip from equator to the poles varies from 00 to 900.