The poles switch has been going on for a long time. I read about this years ago, so I did a little google search and found this easy reply to a man's query. As scary as it sounds, it's not really such a big deal after all. Thank goodness! And those darn Mayans - such alarmists, lol. Didn't they up and disappear all by themselves? Or did they transmogrify into non-corporeal entities??
Anyway, Jess, have that piece of cheesecake after all.
From Wonder Quest:
Q: The Earth's magnetic poles switch about every 200,000 years. When the poles switch, space radiation that reaches Earth increases. What is the effect on life? --John C, Albuquerque, New Mexico
A: Not much. Radiation increases such a small amount that it is no cause for alarm.
Earth's magnetic field shields her from incoming cosmic rays and the field decreases to 20% of its normal strength during a reversal. That sounds fairly alarming. But wait: the atmosphere is our main protector from radiation and it steadfastly shields us no matter what the magnetic field does.
Earth's magnetic poles switch at random intervals--as short as tens of thousands of years apart to more than a million years--an average of once every 200,000 years. It's hard to imagine such an event: the south magnetic pole becoming the north and visa versa. Unsettling. That's the way it happens too--Earth's field becomes disorganized during the time of reversal, which can stretch out 5,000 years. Maybe that's short on a geological scale but plenty long on a human one.
So, the flip causes no significant bad effect on life. How about any effect? Mutations might increase. Birds and other animals that depend on the magnetic field for orientation might get confused during migrations. However, five thousand years gives them much time to adapt so maybe they wouldn't notice.
LOL you are full of the coolest info Kae. You know now that you mentioned cheese cake ... OH my gosh I have what I need to make it ... oh man no diet stands a chance against me lol. Maybe I could find that recipe my step mom used in her cheese cake bars it used less sugar and stuff ... hmmm. Wait no I will be good. I have to try to lose some wait in order to look at least half way good for Christmas service. I have to do my annual O Holy Night and I don't want to look like a big marshmallow in my dress. Actually now that I think about it maybe I should get a new dress ... hmmmm who knows!
