Magnetism and the earth’s magnetic field have always interested the human race. The magnetic field of the earth can give the people details about how the earth’s dynamo works and it also gives us important details about the interior of the planet.
Today people know that 95% of the magnetic field of the earth is caused by a dynamo effect. The earth’s core consists on the outside of liquid iron material and has a solid interior. This creates the so called dynamo effect and in extension the magnetic field. The magnetic field of the earth and the atmosphere offer an effective protection against harmful radiation from space, which consists of electrically charged particles.
A special geophysical phenomena, is the reversal of the geomagnetic field. The phenomena, is still not completely understood but took place in irregular intervals during the earth’s history. It is also expected to happen again in the future. The reversal of the geomagnetic field shows itself through small changes in magnetic properties. Scientist discovered that over the last 150 years the magnetic field’s strength steadily decreased. Satellite measurements over the last 20 years confirm the scientists’ discovery.
The analysis of the data material, collected from the satellites, suggest that the earth’s magnetic field will reverse again in 700-1000 years. This has already consequences for the planet. Through the weakened magnetic field dangerous radiation from space can not be stopped anymore. As a result more and more of the radiation strikes earth and will change the life on the planet. This can be seen today already when observing high-flying satellites in a region with a low magnetic field. 90% of the damage they suffer is caused by electrically charged particles from space.
The consequences of the reversal of the magnetic field of the earth are hard to predict. Especially dynamic processes lead to the sun to large magnetic storms. These magnetic storms can be seen as Northern Lights on earth. These phenomena disturb technical facilities on earth, such as telecommunication. An international initiative is trying to predict “space weather” using the knowledge of the earth’s magnetic field.
The earth’s magnetic field
Magnetism and the earth’s magnetic field have always interested the human race. The magnetic field of the earth can give the people details about how the earth’s dynamo works and it also gives us important details about the interior of the planet.
Today people know that 95% of the magnetic field of the earth is caused by a dynamo effect. The earth’s core consists on the outside of liquid iron material and has a solid interior. This creates the so called dynamo effect and in extension the magnetic field. The magnetic field of the earth and the atmosphere offer an effective protection against harmful radiation from space, which consists of electrically charged particles.
A special geophysical phenomena, is the reversal of the geomagnetic field. The phenomena, is still not completely understood but took place in irregular intervals during the earth’s history. It is also expected to happen again in the future. The reversal of the geomagnetic field shows itself through small changes in magnetic properties. Scientist discovered that over the last 150 years the magnetic field’s strength steadily decreased. Satellite measurements over the last 20 years confirm the scientists’ discovery.
The analysis of the data material, collected from the satellites, suggest that the earth’s magnetic field will reverse again in 700-1000 years. This has already consequences for the planet. Through the weakened magnetic field dangerous radiation from space can not be stopped anymore. As a result more and more of the radiation strikes earth and will change the life on the planet. This can be seen today already when observing high-flying satellites in a region with a low magnetic field. 90% of the damage they suffer is caused by electrically charged particles from space.
The consequences of the reversal of the magnetic field of the earth are hard to predict. Especially dynamic processes lead to the sun to large magnetic storms. These magnetic storms can be seen as Northern Lights on earth. These phenomena disturb technical facilities on earth, such as telecommunication. An international initiative is trying to predict “space weather” using the knowledge of the earth’s magnetic field.