Polarity Reversals Occur in Clusters

According to the conclusions of a new scientific study, it would appear that the reversal of Earth's magnetic poles occurs in cluster, in what may very well imply the existence of some sort of “memory” of past instances in which these events have happened.

Geological evidence indicate that the last pole reversal took place nearly 780,000 years ago, which means that a new one is long overdue. This time, its effects may be widely felt around the world.

As the event takes place, the planet's protective magnetic field, the magnetosphere, might be down for some time, leaving us exposed to increased levels of cosmic radiation and particles from the Sun.

While conducting investigations in areas around the Equator, scientists discovered traces of puzzling changes in the magnetism of rocks. These variations, which took place millions of years ago, may be a strong indicator that Earth's magnetic fields were at one time near the equator.

For many years, experts used to believe that magnetic poles were always located near the rotational poles. But studies of volcanic rocks have shown this theory to be incorrect, which means that the magnetic poles shifted by as much as 90 degrees.

This allowed them to line up with the equator, says University of Michigan in Ann Arbor expert Rob Van der Voo, who led the new study with Kochi University scientist Alexandra Abrajevitch.

The tilting of the magnetic poles may have been triggered by convection patterns caused under the Earth's crust by heat emanating from the planet's spinning core. The same core acts like a dynamo, creating the magnetosphere.

This magnetic field enables Earth to deflect the bulk of solar and outer space radiation, which would otherwise make their way to the planetary surface. This would cause great damage to our civilization, especially in terms of public health.

As such, it is vital for researchers to understand what went on in the past. The data could then be used to create model that predict when or if a similar event will occur again, Daily Galaxy reports.