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An ancient, well-preserved tree that was alive the last time the Earth's magnetic poles flipped has helped scientists pin down more precise timing of that event, which occurred about 42,000 years ago.
This new information has led them to link the flipping of the poles to key moments in the prehistoric record, like the sudden appearance of cave art and the mysterious extinction of large mammals and the Neanderthals. They argue that the weakening of the Earth's magnetic field would have briefly transformed the world by altering its climate and allowing far more ultraviolet light to pour in.
Until now, scientists have mostly assumed that magnetic field reversals didn't matter much for life on Earth — although some geologists have noted that die-offs of large mammals seemed to occur in periods when the Earth's magnetic field was weak.
The Earth is a giant magnet because its core is solid iron, and swirling around it is an ocean of molten metal. This churning creates a huge magnetic field, one that wraps around the planet and protects it from charged cosmic rays coming in from outer space.
Sometimes, for reasons scientists do not fully understand, the magnetic field becomes unstable and its north and south poles can flip. The last major reversal, though it was short-lived, happened around 42,000 years ago.
"If you damage the ozone layer, as we've found out, you change the way in which the sun's heat actually impacts the Earth," says Cooper. "And as soon as you start doing that, you change weather patterns because wind directions and heating goes AWOL, goes all over the place."
By creating a precise timeline, the research team was able to compare the magnetic field's weakening to other well-established timelines in the archaeological and climate records.
"From what we know about field strength through time, over the last hundred thousand years," says Channell, "there does appear to be a linkage between extinctions and low geomagnetic field strength."
originally posted by: BeyondKnowledge3
Could we please refer to the magnet pole as the magnetic pole and not just the pole. It might confuse and frighten some into thinking the Earth is rotating on a different axis.
Thanks.
This is interesting in that it has never been observed in recorded history. Might do nothing but make magnetic compasses point the wrong way. It could also let more radiation get to the ground where the magnetic poles pass over surface areas. This would affect electronics and possibly biological exposure.
I don't think there will be any massive continental shifts like some think.
originally posted by: BeyondKnowledge3
Could we please refer to the magnet pole as the magnetic pole and not just the pole. It might confuse and frighten some into thinking the Earth is rotating on a different axis.
Thanks.
This is interesting in that it has never been observed in recorded history. Might do nothing but make magnetic compasses point the wrong way. It could also let more radiation get to the ground where the magnetic poles pass over surface areas. This would affect electronics and possibly biological exposure.
I don't think there will be any massive continental shifts like some think.
originally posted by: Irishhaf
a reply to: rickymouse
Neither he lives in North Pole alaska, a short drive from fairbanks, easier commute for the elves.
That said... it figures I spent years going nope not gonna have a kid because of X... moment I decide screw it lets have a mini me... the world tries hard to come unglued in a figurative and literal sense.
originally posted by: Mugger2
a reply to: nugget1
I've read somewhere, the sphere has weakened 30% and correlates with the pole movement. Also read scientists think our inner core stopped spinning which might contribute to the weakening.
originally posted by: rickymouse
I guess it will not be that much longer till we see what will happen when it does go past the 45 degree line.