NYT: Collapse of Earth's Magnetic Field Accelerates

[ringmastery]

NYT: COLLAPSE OF THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD ACCELERATES
Mon Jul 12 2004 18:17:38 ET

The collapse of the earth's magnetic field, which both guards the planet and guides many of its creatures, appears to have started in earnest about 150 years ago, the NY TIMES is planning to report on Page Ones Tuesday.

Science reporter Bill Broad has filed a report, according to newsroom sources, which explores how: 'The field's strength has waned 10 percent to 15 percent so far and this deterioration has accelerated of late, increasing debate over whether it portends a reversal of the lines of magnetic force that normally envelop the earth."

Broad explains: "During a reversal, the main field weakens, almost vanishes, and then reappears with opposite polarity. Afterward, compass needles that normally point north would point south, and during the thousands of years of transition much in the heavens and Earth would go askew."

Broad claims: "A reversal could knock out power grids, hurt astronauts and satellites, widen atmospheric ozone holes, send polar auroras flashing to the equator and confuse birds, fish and migratory animals that rely on the steadiness of the magnetic field as a navigation aid."

[gristy]

1. lots of discussion on this already

Drudge broke the story. Go here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x681622

[Warpy]

4. nah, PBS's NOVA did a whole hour on it

about six months ago. Parts of the earth have already switched. The whole business should be accomplished sometime in the next 400 years or so.

It's not a fast process, just "overnight" in geologic terms. Consider that magnetic north has wandered around frequently since the last switch without ending life as we know it. Yes, radiation will increase. No, we probably won't notice the difference.

[DAGDA56]

2. "Clinton's Fault"...says Drudge. (nt)

[JHB]

3. Geez. ...

...time for a dandelion break.

[BeFree]

5. Dandelion break?!?!?

Wasn't that an April fools joke? If not, i'm a looking for my plant guide.

[shawcomm]

6. Bloom County reference

[oneighty]

7. Sigh

Southern hemisphere dip needle magnetic mines gonna have to be moved to northern hemisphere. Northern hemisphere dip needle magnetic mines gonna have to be moved to southern hemisphere.

Or they will not work right.

Sigh.

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