Earth’s Magnetic field is weakening: Scientists don’t know why!!!

2020 has become a year full of surprises and threats to our civilisation. Ranging from ongoing coronavirus pandemic to discovery of closest black hole and sun going into solar minimum state thus created a possibility of a mini ice age.

Now, another event has been added to the list and this time it’s our own protective shield.

We all have read about Earth’s magnetic field and how it protects us from cosmic radiation and charged particles from the sun. Just imagine the catastrophic effects, if it is not present.

Well, no one correctly knows the exact reason behind the creation of this field in the first place but, the most widely accepted theory is that the magnetic field is generally produced by an expanse of superheated, whirling fluid iron which is present in the centre around 3000 km below.

Earth's layers

What is happening with Earth’s Magnetic field???

Well, from the title may figure out the answer but, you can’t figure out the reason behind it. So, let’s discuss the reasons behind it….

Earth’s magnetic field can be imagined like a big bar magnet placed inside the Earth which is titled at around 11 degrees to the axis of rotation. Over the last 200 years, Earth’s magnetic field has lost around 9% of its strength.

According to the recent data from the Swarm probes, in an area stretching from South America to Africa, Earth’s magnetic field is gradually weakening and this causes technical disturbances in satellites orbiting Earth. Scientist termed it as ‘South Atlantic Anomaly’ or (SAA).

South Atlantic Anomaly

After rigorous research, experts are speculating that the current weakening of the field is a sign of an eminent pole reversal of Earth. Pole reversal means that the north and south magnetic poles switch places.

Pole reversals are not new to Earth. Throughout the history of our planet, such events have occurred several times. Last time it occurred around 780,000 years ago. A team of researchers used volcanic records to study last reversal. Some sources claim that last pole reversal took about 7000 years to complete the process. Other sources claim that it took a much longer time. Pole reversal take place roughly every 250,000 years.

This process of flipping could occur more frequently than people think but no one knows the correct rate.

Outer and inner Radiation belt with the location of SAA

Since 1970, this ‘anomaly’ region is growing in size and it’s also moving westwards. It is moving with a pace of approximately 20 km/year. After getting the recent data from Swarm probes, it is also observed that a new minimum is created in that region. Now, scientists believe that this region is going to split into two separate regions. One region (the original one) will be on South America and the new one will be on Southwest Africa.

The following video shows South Atlantic Anomaly impact radiation (source: ESA) :

For now, at surface level it is not causing any harm and isn’t creating an alarming situation. But, the satellites passing through that region are facing serious technical problems!!!

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