0
What if earth's magnetic field did not occasionally reverse polarity?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
We expect Earth would still have a magnetic field during a reversal, but it would be weaker than normal with multiple magnetic poles. Radio communication would deteriorate, navigation by magnetic compass would be difficult and migratory animals might have problems. Many migratory animals use the geomagnetic field to orient themselves. However, even if Earth's magnetic field began a reversal, it would still take several thousand years to complete a reversal.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIf the earth's magnetic field fails, then the magnetic compass won't work. There are also some animals that are sensitive to the magnetic field of the earth, and if it is no longer present, their behavior will probably change in some way.
The main problem with the "failure" of the earth's magnetic field would be that the protection it provides from the solar wind will no longer be there. That means streams of charged particles from the sun will come into direct contact with the earth's upper atmosphere instead of being deflected. This will disturb the upper atmosphere in ways that will affect all life on earth.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThen it wouldn't. It's not really vital that it does (in fact, as far as life on Earth is concerned, it's kind of a bad thing), it's just something that happens.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Will the polarity of the earths magnetic field change in 2012?
There is no reason to believe that the Earth's magnetic field will change any time soon... or, for that matter, that anything extraordinary is going to happen in 2012.
Explain how the reversal of earths magnetic poles can be produce a calendar for part of earths history?
In rock formed when the sea floor is being built, such as at the mid-Atlantic ridge, the minerals preserve the magnetic polarity. Since the flipping of the poles is fairly regular, the count of the bands can give a time.
Do bats use the earths magnetic fields?
no
Earths magnetic field does not affect what?
Other planets
What gives rise to the Earths magnetic field?
Current flows inside he Earth.
How is earths magnetic field used by people and animals?
the earths magnetic signature is a negative polarity signature
When new basalt forms along mid-ocean ridges it become magnetized?
accorsing to the earths magnetic field
About how do earths magnetic poles reverse?
every 250,000 years :)
Can the earths magnetic field move?
Yes it can reverse from North to South
The patterns of iron particles found in sea floor rocks result from what?
The earths magnetic polarity at the time of rock formation.
Earths magnetic poles reverse approximately every how many years?
250,000 years
Will the polarity of the earths magnetic field change in 2012?
There is no reason to believe that the Earth's magnetic field will change any time soon... or, for that matter, that anything extraordinary is going to happen in 2012.
About how often do earths magnetic poles reverse?
Every 250,000 years, when it farts
Explain how the reversal of earths magnetic poles can be produce a calendar for part of earths history?
In rock formed when the sea floor is being built, such as at the mid-Atlantic ridge, the minerals preserve the magnetic polarity. Since the flipping of the poles is fairly regular, the count of the bands can give a time.
Earths magnetic poles reverse approximately every years?
The process of the reversal of the Earth's magnetic poles is called a magnetic flip. This occurs every 4 or 5 times per million years.
Where is earths magnetic North Pole?
compasses point to it. its at the north pole in the arcticNo It's not, the Magnetic North Pole is at this moment just off Ellesmere Island heading towards Russia at a rate of 40 miles (60 km) per year.AnswerIt depends what you mean by 'magnetic north pole'. If you mean the location, called 'Magnetic North' (arctic), then its polarity is south. If, by 'magnetic north pole', you mean its magnetic polarity, then it's located at Magnetic South (antarctic).
What is earths north magnetic pole?
You must not confuse 'Magnetic North' with 'north magnetic pole', as these two things are completely different! 'Magnetic North' is a location, while 'north magnetic pole' refers to the magnetic polarity of the earth's 'Magnetic South'.'Magnetic North' is the point on the earth towards which magnetic compasses point. It is not a fixed position. It is presently (2012) in Canada and is drifting toward Siberia. It should not be confused with Grid, Geographic, or True North, which is a fixed point located at the axis about which the earth revolves. The same applies to the Magnetic South.The term, 'Magnetic North' describes a location, and has absolutely nothing to do with its magnetic polarity. The magnetic polarity of the location we call Magnetic North is actually a south pole, which is the reason it attracts the north pole of a magnet or compass needle.
