Investigation of the westward drift of the earth’s main geomagnetic field based on the spatial distribution of secular variation derived from IGRF-14

Westward drift of the Earth's magnetic field is an important manifestation of geomagnetic secular variation and provides information on fluid dynamics within the outer core. This study analyzes the spatial migration of geomagnetic field components using annual values from the IGRF-14 model for the ARTI, NVS, IZNIK, JAI, Beijing, and Yangibozor (YNBZ) geomagnetic observatories during 2021–2025. Magnetic declination (D), inclination (I), and X, Y, and Z components were calculated for each observatory. GIS techniques were applied to construct interpolated maps showing the spatial distribution and migration directions of geomagnetic field components. The results reveal pronounced regional differences in geomagnetic secular variation, with the clearest migration patterns observed in the horizontal components, particularly D and Y. These patterns are consistent with the westward drift of the geomagnetic field and suggest that regional variations are controlled not only by global geodynamo processes but also by geological and tectonic conditions. The study demonstrates that integrating IGRF-14 calculations with GIS-based spatial analysis provides an effective approach for investigating the spatial characteristics of geomagnetic westward drift and secular variation. Future comparison with direct observations from the INTERMAGNET network is recommended to further validate the identified migration patterns.

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