Is the earth's magnetism decreasing?

In summary, the conversation was about the decreasing magnetism of the Earth and what it could mean for humanity in the future. Some people believe that the Earth's magnetic field will renew itself, as it has in the past, but with the potential for the poles to shift. Others have heard from a psychic that the field will collapse or flip within a decade. However, it is generally agreed that the field will decrease, flip, and eventually increase again, as it has done in the past. There is also a discussion about a website that talks more about this topic.
  • #1
bblly
3
0
i saw an article the other night on public television of the Earth's decreasing magnetism. does anyone have an idea what is going to happen in the next thousand years to the Earth's "blanket"? i understand it will renew back, as it has many times in the past, although the poles will shift, but what will that mean to humanity?
of course no one is at threat born today even in a worst case senario, or are they? who knows? who has an idea? given evidence of the past, no major event on Earth has left life on Earth unaffected in some way.
 
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  • #2
I heard that if it continues the way it has (but we don't know that it will), the field will be gone in 200 years. That is unlikely though, it will probably do all sorts of weird stuff. I have also heard from a psychic that it will collapse or move a lot or flip or something within a decade or so. So who knows.
 
  • #3
You pretty much have it right, bblly. It'll decrease, flip, and increase again. It does that every now and then. And it won't do much to harm us.
 
  • #4
There's a thread about it in Earth Sciences, and a link to a website by a guy who's trying to build a model; http://complex.umd.edu/dynamo/index.html [Broken], if you want to read more about it.
 
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1. What is causing the earth's magnetism to decrease?

The earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core. This flow of molten iron is affected by various factors such as the rotation of the earth, convection currents, and other external forces. Changes in these factors can cause fluctuations in the strength of the magnetic field, resulting in a decrease in its overall strength.

2. How do scientists measure the strength of the earth's magnetic field?

Scientists use a device called a magnetometer to measure the strength of the earth's magnetic field. Magnetometers can be placed on the earth's surface or on satellites to gather data on the magnetic field. This data is then used to create maps and models of the earth's magnetic field.

3. Is the decrease in the earth's magnetism a cause for concern?

The decrease in the earth's magnetic field is a natural process that has been occurring for millions of years. While it may have some impact on certain technologies, such as navigation systems, it is not a cause for immediate concern. However, scientists continue to monitor and study these changes to better understand their long-term effects.

4. Will the earth's magnetic field eventually disappear completely?

It is unlikely that the earth's magnetic field will disappear completely. The magnetic field is generated by the earth's inner core, which is composed mostly of iron. As long as the core remains molten and in motion, the magnetic field will continue to exist. However, the strength of the field may continue to fluctuate over time.

5. How do changes in the earth's magnetic field affect living organisms?

The earth's magnetic field plays a crucial role in protecting living organisms from harmful solar radiation. Changes in the strength of the magnetic field can influence the amount of radiation that reaches the earth's surface, potentially impacting the health of organisms. However, organisms have evolved to adapt to these changes and are able to continue thriving despite fluctuations in the magnetic field.

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