Britannica AI Icon

angle of dip

geophysics
Also known as: dip, dip angle, magnetic dip, magnetic inclination(Show More)

Quick Summary

The angle of dip, also known as magnetic inclination, is the angle between the Earth's surface and the total magnetic field vector. This angle is measured using an instrument called a dip circle, which has a magnetic needle that swings vertically.1

There are two main dip poles on Earth where the dip is 90 degrees, meaning the magnetic field is perpendicular to the surface. These are located on the Antarctic coast and in Canada's Arctic. Local dip poles can also occur over areas with strong magnetic mineral deposits.2

Additionally, a dipmeter is an instrument used to determine the direction and angle of geological formations' dip.3

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. dip pole
  2. dip circle
  3. dipmeter

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.