The Geomagnetic Reversal: Its Effects on Earth

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential effects of geomagnetic field reversals on Earth, exploring various theoretical implications, including impacts on electronics, mutations, and gyroscopic devices. Participants also touch on related phenomena such as solar wind and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concerns about increased mutations and the economic viability of electronics during geomagnetic reversals.
  • One participant inquires about the effects on gyroscopes, specifically questioning the functionality of laser gyroscopes.
  • A participant asserts that laser gyroscopes would continue to function regardless of magnetic field changes.
  • There is a discussion about the potential shielding required for electronics against radiation during a geomagnetic reversal, with varying opinions on the necessity and effectiveness of such shielding.
  • Some participants suggest that the Earth's magnetic field would still provide protection against solar radiation even if the poles flip.
  • One participant humorously references a movie related to geomagnetic events, while another questions the electromagnetic properties of plasma.
  • There is mention of ongoing research related to geomagnetic phenomena, indicating interest in the scientific community's work on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of geomagnetic reversals, with multiple competing views and uncertainties expressed regarding the effects on electronics and biological systems.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the effects of geomagnetic reversals on electronics and mutations are not fully substantiated, and there are unresolved questions about the extent of radiation exposure during such events.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying geomagnetism, its effects on technology, and the implications for biological systems during geomagnetic events.

Mk
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What are all the bad things that would happen if/when the geomagnetic field will reverse polarity? I already have, increased mutations, electronics are extreamly uneconomical, and all the solar wind, CMEs and plasma from the sun hitting earth.

What happens to the sun when its poles flip about every 11 years?

How many feet of lead or concrete would be needed to sheild a type of electronic?
 
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I'm writing a paper, what kind of effect would this have on gyroscopes? If any... Would LASER gyroscopes still work? Please no compass comments
 
Laser gyroscopes would most definitely still work.

Claude.
 
Mk said:
What are all the bad things that would happen if/when the geomagnetic field will reverse polarity? I already have, increased mutations, electronics are extreamly uneconomical, and all the solar wind, CMEs and plasma from the sun hitting earth.

What happens to the sun when its poles flip about every 11 years?

How many feet of lead or concrete would be needed to sheild a type of electronic?

Can you please elaborate on the effects you already got?
What exactly leads to increased mutations and uneconomical electronics?

And are you saying that coronal mass ejections and plasma would actually hit the Earth's surface or just hit the upper atmosphere?
 
Mk said:
How many feet of lead or concrete would be needed to sheild a type of electronic?

As discussed in this thread, electronics will not be affected directly by the change in direction of the magnetic field. If you picture the Earth's magnetic field, it runs almost parallel to the Earth's surface except at the Earth's magnetic poles where it goes into the surface. Now, say that at this moment, you are sitting at your desk facing the geomagnetic north. If the poles flip, it would be equivalent to you turning round 180 degrees and facing the geomagnetic south. And doing this experiment with any electronic equipment with certainly not alter its behaviour.

The only way that electronics could possibly be affected is if the pole flip somehow let's through some radiation to the Earth's surface. But this should not happen if the pole flips because incoming radiation will still be deflected as the magnetic field is still there. It might be a different matter if we completely lose the Earth's magnetic field.
 
Mk said:
What are all the bad things that would happen if/when the geomagnetic field will reverse polarity?
The worst thing that would happen is they'd make a movie like "The Core."
 
Bob3141592 said:
Mk said:
What are all the bad things that would happen if/when the geomagnetic field will reverse polarity?
The worst thing that would happen is they'd make a movie like "The Core."

lol, Crumbles, does or does not plasma have a electromagnetic field?
 
Mk said:
lol, Crumbles, does or does not plasma have a electromagnetic field?

Well if the plasma particles are accelerating, they most certainly will emit electromagnetic radiation.

But the Earth's field deflects this radiation away:

"At Earth, however, a strong magnetic field confronts the solar wind, forming a much bigger obstacle than the Earth itself. Because the solar wind is a plasma, it is forced to detour around the Earth's field, creating a large shielded cavity around the Earth--the magnetosphere."

So, whether the pole shifts or not, the magnetic field will still be there to defelct it.

You might find these of interest:

This article claims that pole shifts are due to continental drift.

And here is a whole load of FAQ about the Earth and magnetism, that I'm sure will be of help. Unfortunately I haven't got the time to read through all this at the moment but if you do find anything interesting, please post back.
 
Some of the leading work being done on the phenominon is by http://complex.umd.edu/dynamo/index.html , on whose work I try to stay updated.
 
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