Impact of Earth's magnetic field intensity on forest vegetation

Research of the Earth's magnetism is one of the oldest in the history of science. However, till up to now, there is not completely elaborated quantitative theory of geomagnetic field existing. So called, Earth's dipole field... [ view full abstract ]

Research of the Earth's magnetism is one of the oldest in the history of science. However, till up to now, there is not completely elaborated quantitative theory of geomagnetic field existing.
So called, Earth's dipole field is generated by circulating electric currents in the planet's metal core. The hemi-fluid Earth's core consists of fusion of iron (Fe), nickel (Ni) and silicon (Si). The local variations in the field (few hundreds of nT) are due to changes in magnetic properties of the crustal rocks themselves.
Still there are few studies of Earth's magnetism impact on living organisms, particularly, to green plants and trees. The forests are covering 25% of the total terrestrial area of planet. In some countries this coverage is even bigger, e.g., in Latvia covering 52% of total land area.
The research is carried out by comparison of magnetic field anomaly map with forest data basis of Latvia. The strength of magnetic field in Latvia varies between -1200 nT and +7590 nT, but the average strength is about +400 nT. These data are obtained based on remote sensing by distinguishing of various visible and invisible bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as infrared, gamma, or ultraviolet from the satellite imagery technologies.
Although both the qualitative and quantitative nature of that radiation is not sufficiently known, there are some significant correlations found between Earth's magnetism and forest properties. Thus, most forested in Latvia are the regions with higher intensity of the magnetic field. Also the forests of broad-leaved trees (Quercus robur L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Tilia cordata Mill., Acer platanoides L., Ulmus sp. etc.) are more located in regions with enhanced intensity of magnetic field.