Ocean Ecology: Discussion Magnetic Flip or Thermohaline Circulation

Normally, the compass points “north” and we have designated this as “normal.” During a reversal, the compass points south. This occurs about every 300,0000 years. Sometimes it has been tens of millions of years between incidents. Depending on the movement of the iron-rich outer core’s material, the movement’s occurrence may vary. Rocks melt and magnetized particles orient themselves in it, and when they cool they indicate the magnetism at the time. Strips of alternate magnetization indicate the cycle has happened through many bands called magnetic anomalies. The last flip, was about 780,000 years ago. It takes about 1,000 to 10,000 years to reverse.

I hypothesize the flip happens as things stand now, with relatively similar technology, there would be many changes in technology, confusion of geomagnetic navigating animals and a reduced ability to be protected from the sun.. Compasses would read wrong. Our compasses may be adapted, or the user may simply use it in opposite. Compasses would increase in sales as people replaced them with accurate versions. According to Nasa, fossil records indicate that there were no dramatic changes to plant or animal life. Three have been no indications of mass extinctions, earthquakes, continental drift or similar issues. Many of the changes would be to our computer and software. Books and educational information would be adapted or updated. New magnetic orientations would be taken into consideration.

There would be a magnetic field change, in which it would become less intense, according to Jean-Pierre Vallet of the Earth Physics of Paris. Shielding against the sun would be less strong. This would lead to ozone holes and may increase skin cancer. Risks to technology may be increased as they would not be as guarded against the sun’s rays. Geomagnetic navigating animals would be potentially disoriented. So in conclusion, I do not think we should be worried. It is a long, complex process and when it begins we will be able to adapt over many years.

SOURCE:

"2012: Magnetic Pole Reversal Happens all the Time" NASA. 2011, http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/2012-poleReversal.html (Links to an external site.)

"Earth's Inconsistent Magnetic Field". NASA, 2003,. http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/29dec_magneticfield.html