Pole shift theory - does anyone know more about this?

Question

Saw a documentary yesterday that briefly mentioned pole shift theory - the north and south poles "swap", causing catastrophic changes on the earth surface. There is evidence that it happens every 200,000 years, at the moment we are 400,000 years overdue! No human has ever witnessed this event. Does anyone out there know more on the subject? By the way - I've already checked Wiki, so please don't use that

Answer 1

The pole shifts are well documented, the way they determined previous shifts is by checking the polarity of the magnetic fields embedded in lava rocks. The direction of the earths magnetic field is imprinted in the molten lava and when it becomes solid it is like a permanent indicator of the earths magnetic field at that time. That is how they found that there was on average a polarity shift every 200 000 years or so... There are already patches where the magnetic field lines have changed direction if you check a good space weather site you should be able to see maps of it (also look for the South Atlantic Anomaly).
It wont be that catastrophic though, the earth atmosphere and the ionosphere in particular will be able to protect us during the shift, but there will be a big increase in skin cancer stats.

Answer 2

It might already be happening again. There is evidence that the Earth's magnetic field has weakened significantly over the past 150 - 200 years, and it is thought that a "polar switch" is preceded by weakening or even temporary absence of the field.

Without the field, expect more cosmic ray particles, X rays, radiation in general. As a previous poster says, probably not catastrophic, but likely to cause an increase in some cancers etc.

What we don't know is how long these switches actually take to occur. On a geological scale they appear instantaneous, but whether that means days, years or even centuries, no-one is sure.

Answer 3

Hi,
Think of how a child's spinning top works. The Earth is known to have a slight 'wobble' probably caused by Tectonic plate movements. This 'wobble' is known as 'procession'.
After a long period of time, the wobble will come to a point where a 'larger' wobble occurs, in much the same way a spinning top does as it slows down.
As magnetism is affected by the positioning of land mass, and lava movements beneath the surface, this might explain things.
Although it is not proven, I would hazard a guess that is the reason for pole shifting.

Answer 4

The poles apparently drift, as well. There was a documented magnetic pole drift in the early 1700's. I read an article in Discover Magazine about this phenomenon a couple of months ago.

Answer 5

Not that much more I can tell you. Magnetic North becomes the South Pole, and thats it.

Your fridge Magnets might fall off.

Its not going to be that catastrophic.

Answer 6

I thought the poles were drifting from Poland to work as waiters in London and Bradford!

Answer 7

It is not that catastrophic, it is highly, highly irregular.... what more did you want to know? I don't remember ever seeing stuff about it online, though.