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| NORTH
MAGNETIC POLE - Spring 1993 |
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The
simplest way to define the North
Magnetic Pole is that it is the place where
all compass needles point in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Earth's magnetism converges at two points,
i.e. the North and South magnetic poles. Both
poles drift and change position; our northern
pole is moving farther north all the time. |
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On May 2, 1993, the North Magnetic Pole was situated
at 77°48’N 102°20’O in the
Canadian Arctic. It may be located on an ice floe
or on solid ground. Bernard and his companions
set out over the ice from the village of Resolute
Bay, on skis and pulling pulkas (sleds loaded
with equipment). It was very rough terrain, with
lots of compression ridges. The polar bears also
added spice to the adventure. |
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Three
expedition members were evacuated six days into
the trip, because of serious frostbite to their
fingers. Frequent blizzards forced the skiers
off track. Nonetheless, Bernard
became the first Canadian to reach the North Magnetic
Pole with no outside assistance. |
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