The Earth’s magnetic field is like
an invisible force field around the planet, it protects living things on planet
from dangerous solar rays by repelling charged particles. Earth’s
magnetic field is not constant and it is continuously changing. Undeniably, our
planet’s past comprises hundreds of global magnetic reverses, where south and
north magnetic poles switch places. And scientists are sure that another one of
these swaps is about to happen. But the bigger question is when exactly will it
happen?
According to researchers, during
this occurrence the magnetic field won’t fall back to a complete zero, but will
undergo a weaker and more composite form. During this reversal there is a
possibility of simultaneous existence of multiple “north” and “south” magnetic
poles and it may fall to 10% of the current-day strong point. Research shows
that geomagnetic reverses happen a few times every million years on average. Nonetheless,
the interval among reversals is very uneven and can range up to tens of
millions of years.
The previous full reversal, called
Brunhes-Matuyama, happened around 780,000 years ago. A momentary reversal, called
Laschamp event, happened around 41,000 years ago. It persisted less than 1,000
years with the definite change of polarity lasting only 250 years.
Another question that comes
to mind is ‘Can this swap trigger Power cut or Mass Extinction?’
Researcher are sure about
one thing, that when this swap will occur, it will weaken shielding effect, letting
sharp levels of radiation on and above the Earth’s surface.
Let’s suppose if it happens tomorrow,
how much damage can it cause?
The upsurge in charged
particles getting to the Earth would effect in augmented risks for satellites,
aviation, and ground-based electrical infrastructure. Geomagnetic storms, compelled
by the collaboration of anomalously enormous eruptions of solar energy with our
magnetic field, give us an indication of what we can anticipate with a weakened
magnetic shield.
The straightforward fact
that we are “overdue” for a complete reversal and the fact that the Earth’s
field is presently declining at a rate of 5% per century, has led to proposals
that the field may swap within the next 2,000 years. But sticking to an exact
date – at least for now – will be challenging and nearly impossible. But
scientists are sure that this will happen.
