Question

Which among the following is denoted by $ \delta $?

• A. Horizontal component
• B. Magnetic meridian
• C. Magnetic declination
• D. Magnetic inclination

Hint:

Magnetic declination is important for navigation and helps in determining the difference between true north and magnetic north.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Magnetic Inclination 
Magnetic inclination, also called magnetic dip, refers to the angle between the Earth's magnetic field lines and the horizontal plane at a given location.
The symbol \( \delta \) is used to represent the magnetic inclination in geomagnetic studies.
At the magnetic poles, the inclination is 90°, while at the magnetic equator, the inclination is 0°. 
Step 2: Why Other Options are Incorrect 
Option (a) is incorrect because the horizontal component refers to the part of the magnetic field that lies in the horizontal plane, which is not denoted by \( \delta \).
Option (b) is incorrect because the magnetic meridian refers to the line connecting the magnetic poles and is not denoted by \( \delta \).
Option (c) is incorrect because magnetic declination refers to the angle between the magnetic meridian and the true north, and is not represented by \( \delta \). 
Step 3: Conclusion 
Thus, \( \delta \) denotes magnetic inclination, which is the angle between the magnetic field lines and the horizontal plane.