2006-12-20 11:21:59 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Indeed, there is no geological evidence that a pole shift has ever been responsible for a minor or major extinction. But with extinctions we speak about species and not individuals. Shifts have happened many times before, none happened during the written history of mankind.
We don't know exactly the possible disasters connected to a shifting of the poles but some can be reasonably accepted. Plate tectonics shows us that the continents are 'floating' on the inner mantel, making them move slowly. Additionally, life on our planet is protected from the dangerous alpha and gamma rays from the Sun by Earth's magnetism.
How long it actually take to make the poles shift is a matter of discussion. Some say it may happen in a day, others claim it may take 100nds of years. For sure we would have devastating earthquakes everywhere, volcanoes reactivate at many places. Tsunamis would rise up as a result adding to the devastation. There would be a period with little or none magnetic protection from the Suns rays.
Life on Earth would take a (big) hit but, as geology and anthropology shows, it would not be enough for any species to vanish, including humans. Survivors would go on and may hundreds of years later be remembered as the survivors of a 'Sinking Island'...
2006-12-20 12:12:08 · answer #1 · answered by dimimo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. There is nothing to cause human extinction if the poles shifted. As a matter of fact, the poles are constantly shifting throughout geologic time, all with no apparent ill effects on the biosphere.
2006-12-20 19:30:24 · answer #2 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose you refer to the geographic rather than the magnetic poles.
Survival will depend on where you are, the amount of shift and its speed.
I don't think humanity would face extinction, but many will perish for sure unless the change will be very smooth and gradual.
If the shift is not very very slow there will be catastrophic movements of the continents to find a new balanced distribution of the weights for the new axis of rotation.
Also, the new angle of the axis with respect to the orbital plane will upset all the seasons as we know them. A sudden change in the seasons and temperatures will give insufficient time for many species to adapt, including ourselves.
2006-12-20 20:11:29 · answer #3 · answered by PragmaticAlien 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Poles have shifted already. They are all driving buses in Bristol. (and doing a good job).
2006-12-20 19:39:37 · answer #4 · answered by David H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the poles are shifting very slightly every year,always have always will.
2006-12-21 01:09:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋