what would a reversal of earth's magnetic field lead to?

Answer 1

The consequences may be considerable: during a reversal, the magnetosphere that protects the Earth from solar and cosmic radiation is significantly weakened. This will cause major disruptions in global weather patterns.

Life on Earth, and human life in particular, has survived this kind of situation in the past, but it would severely interfere with our modern communications systems (satellites and networks, etc.). The primary effects of geomagnetism are on the health of electrically-based technological systems that are critically important to the modern civilization of humanity, not the humans themselves.

The reversal of the magnetic poles is totally random. They remain close to the Earth's geographic poles and flip between north and south about once every 100,000 years or so, although longer periods have been found between reversals. The scientists "guesstimate" that the most recent shift occurred 780,000 years ago. On average, these reversals last for a few thousand years. Each published polarity transition reported a slightly different duration, from just under 1,000 years to 28,000 years.

It is generally accepted that during a reversal, the geomagnetic field decreases to about 10 percent of its full polarity value. After the field has weakened, the directions undergo a nearly 180 degree change, and then the field strengthens in the opposite polarity direction.

Migratory birds use the strength of the Earth's magnetic field to sense how the field around them is changing and work out where they are relative to home.

Answer 2

It would be disastrous for all living things. It is speculated once again speculated that the Aurora Borealis could be seen far south if this is the case solar winds from the sun could potentially disrupt many electronic devices, birds would lose there sense of direction and compasses would fail. The worst case scenario is if Earth did lose its protective magnetic shield, the atmosphere would expand and become thinner, possibly leading to altitude sickness near sea level. No longer filtered out, deadly cosmic rays would kill most if, not all, living creatures on the surface. Only those living in deep caves would be safe. Einstein once wrote that one of the most important unsolved problems in physics centered around Earth's magnetic field.

Answer 3

It would be disastrous for biological life. When another reversal occurs there will a very long period when Earth's magnetic field will be near zero as the magnetic poles actually change. (..it's a sinusoidal alternation, like an AC voltage sine wave..). During that long period Earth's surface won't be as protected from the lethal high-energy particles that continuously stream in towards us.

Answer 4

That would depend on the rate of the reversal.
For sure the Burmuda Triangle would be effected
as it is a by product of the current poles
It could cause earthquakes many of the moving plates
reach deep into the mantle where IRON is found

It most likely would setoff alot of major lightning storms
during the migration of the magnetic charges.

It could force alot of major changes like a wobble in our orbit
alter our moon's orbit or as some have predicted force the earth to flip over (i dont believe that one)

Answer 5

Not much very interesting. There might be a diminution of auroras during the reversal. All the compasses would read backwards. And that's about it.

Answer 6

The end of the world

Answer 7

very high gravitational pull that could last seconds to days,the last 3 was only sec but the 4th around 40 thousand years ago lasted 2 days,imagine weighing 2 tons for 2 days

Answer 8

Lost ducks and sailors.

Answer 9

Compasses would go ape.

Answer 10

north would now be south and vice versa