Scientists in Japan Just Found a Detailed Record of Earth’s Last Magnetic Switcharoo

Science Alert  October 31, 2020
Every 200,000 to 300,000 years, Earth’s magnetic poles reverse. The last reversal was unusual because for some reason, the poles have remained oriented the way they are now for about three-quarters of a million years. Researchers in Japan collected new samples and conducted paleo- and rock-magnetic analyses of samples from the Chiba composite section which is considered to contain the most detailed marine sedimentary record of the Matuyama-Brunhes geomagnetic reversal. It provides the most reliable chronostratigraphic framework of the time period around the Brunhes-Matuyama reversal. According to their study it took about 20,000 years, including a 10,000 year period of instability leading up to the reversal. It is not clear what effects Earth’s geomagnetic reversals have – climate change,
effect on animals is an open question as some migratory species rely on Earth’s magnetic field to navigate. Modern humans haven’t faced one yet. The most likely effect will be on our power and communications systems, including satellites…read more.  Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE 

This figure from the study shows the location of the study area on Japan’s Boso Peninsula. Credit: Haneda et al., 2020

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