Solar wind + Weak magnetic field = No water?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential impact of a weakening Earth’s magnetic field on the retention of water due to solar wind. Participants explore the implications of magnetic field fluctuations, particularly in relation to historical and future changes, and their effects on Earth’s atmosphere and water supply.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a significantly weakened magnetic field could allow solar wind to strip water from Earth, referencing an article for context.
  • Another participant notes conflicting information regarding the timeline and nature of the magnetic field's weakening and potential polarity flip, suggesting that there is a general consensus on the eventual weakening.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that while the magnetic field may weaken, the effects on water retention would be temporary and not significant, as solar winds may not be capable of removing substantial amounts of water.
  • One participant mentions a past NOVA show discussing the magnetic field's weakening, asserting that while it will weaken, it will subsequently strengthen again, implying minimal long-term effects on water retention.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the timeline and significance of the magnetic field's weakening, with some suggesting it will have temporary effects while others are uncertain about the extent of potential water loss. No consensus is reached on the overall impact of these changes.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference historical data and predictions about the magnetic field's behavior, but there are unresolved questions regarding the specific mechanisms by which solar wind interacts with the magnetic field and its effects on water retention.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in planetary science, atmospheric studies, and the effects of magnetic fields on celestial bodies may find this discussion relevant.

dongcute
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Is it possible that one day, the Earth magnetic field get so weaken that solar wind could strip off water from earth? I ask this because of this article which leads me to draw the parallel. http://www.geotimes.org/sept04/NN_solarstorms.html
 
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I've read conflicting articles about this -- mostly on if/when the magnetic field will weaken.

However, there is a pretty good consensus that the magnetic field will weaken (and has) sometime soon as it will flip polarity. Measurements of the magnetic field show eventually the north and south poles will flip -- and that they have migrated from their positions already as compared to the past.

You might want to do a search of SciAm and Discovery over the last few years as I think they've covered the subject a few times.
 
I don't think so though that this will happen for a long, long time actually, but I think that the effects will be temporary though. The solar winds probably can't pick a whole lot of water, whenever the top happens.
 
NOVA on WJCTv did a show on this like 8 years ago.

Yes Earth's magnetic field is going to weaken bu thenget strong again. During this time we won't lose pretty much anything because its so short.

Mar without a magnetic field: 2,000,000,000

Earth's max without a field: 3,000
 
Thks to all who replied :)
 

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