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Pole reversal or geomagnetic reversal. The North and South pole "flip", in the case of the earth, the magnetic North pole (normally at the top of the earth), would now be at the bottom and the magnetic South would be at the top.

This has happened hundreds of times over the history of the earth and can be "read" from the orientation of magnetic crystals laid down in molten igneous rocks which "record" the direction of magnetic North as the rock cools.

Should such an event happen during our lifetime the effects would be substantial, but not life threatening. Compasses would be reversed, GPS systems would be out etc. But all of these things can be rectified with some smart programming, re-labeling and re-orientating ourselves to a new way of life.

Sadly, this may not be the case with animals; many animals, mammals, insects and fish use the Earth's magnetic fields to orientate themselves for location and navigation. If a polar flip were to occur, we may find pods of dolphins or whales becoming beached, flocks of birds loosing their way during migration. This could result in large number of these animals dying before they were able to "re-calibrate" themselves.

Maps and geographical reference would have to be changed. For example you couldn't call the "Middle East" that any more as it would now be the "Middle West". The West Wing of the White House, would now be the East Wing etc :)

Think about how things would change if such a reversal were to take place, what things would be influenced and how that may affect your daily life.

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The switch in direction of earth's magnetic north and south poles?

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