Earth's Magnetic Field - Research Paper Example

Running head:  Earth’s Magnetic Field [Insert s s) here] [Insert information here] A magnetic field is the area which isunder the influence of magnetic force. The magnetic field is a vector quantity, i.e. it is denoted in terms of a direction and magnitude, and is measured in Teslas in SI units which is equivalent to (newton x second)/(coulomb x meter). This magnetic field is indivisible, i.e. the field remains dipole in any case. Even if the magnet is divided into two, each magnet will have two poles. A magnetic field is produced by the movement of particles with electric charges. The movement of electric charges produces an electric current. This electric current creates magnetic field which can be large or small. Without the production of electric current, magnetic field cannot be experienced. The magnetic field allows human beings to produce many important devices. The relationship between magnetic field and electric current has enabled humans to produce electric currents in all electric devices such as blenders and power turbines. The magnetic field of Earth is similar to that produced by a bar magnet. The circulating electric currents surrounding the Earth’s surface and in the metallic core of Earth are the source of Earth’s magnetic force. The dynamo effect of these circulating electric charges helps in creating magnetic field. The rotation is known to be the cause of production of electric charges and dynamo effect. The area under the influence of Earth’s magnetic force is known as Magnetosphere. A scientist Mariner 2 discovered that the magnetic field of Venus is not as strong as that of Earth. Though the iron content of these two planets is almost same, yet the strength of magnetic field is different. The reason for the difference is the speed of movement of these two planets. Earth takes 235 days to complete a rotation whereas Venus takes 243 days. The rotation period for Venus is too slow to result in dynamo effect. The evidences found on rocks – formed from the molten state – from the surroundings of Earth indicate that the two poles of Earth switch, i.e. Earth’s magnetic field reverses itself. This process happens once in million years and has been discovered through the indicators of Earth’s magnetic field found on those ancient rocks. The magnetic North Pole indicates Earth’s geographical South Pole and the magnetic South Pole indicate Earth’s geographical North Pole. The sun emanates streams of energetic, ionized particles in the form of solar wind. This solar wind is reflected by the Earth’s magnetic field. However, the high energy charged particles may enter the magnetosphere. These particles are trapped by the Van Allen Belts. These belts are the two regions surrounding Earth’s surface and contain charged particles. The pattern of the solar wind keeps on changing and the Earth’s magnetosphere has to adjust itself accordingly through a process termed as geomagnetic storm. The magnetosphere acts as a buffer between the ionized gases released by sun at a speed of 400 km/second and the human beings living on the surface of Earth. The importance of the Earth’s magnetic space can be realized by the evident damage on the surface of Mars. The magnetic field of Mars is weak and cannot deflect the solar wind. Therefore, many of the oceans have turned into a dry land and some parts of the atmosphere have been destroyed. (NASA, 2003) If the solar wind and the ionized particles enter the magnetosphere and Earth’s atmosphere, certain part of the Earth’s atmosphere will be lost to the space. Consequently, the life on Earth will be affected. Not only plants and animals will suffer but the mankind will also face the adverse consequences. The atmosphere is made up of several dense gases such as nitrogen, oxygen. These gases exert certain pressure which is equalized by the blood pressure of human body. The pressure exerted by gases equal to one square centimeter in cross section is about one kilogram in mass and 9.8 Newton in weight. The only reason that mankind is not crushed by the Earth’s atmospheric pressure is their blood pressure. Human blood pressure and the air on the ground level help in maintaining equilibrium with the Earth’s atmospheric pressure. This pressure is measured through an instrument, Barometer. However, this atmospheric pressure has been disturbed by the solar wind released by the sun. The speed of solar wind approaching the atmosphere has been reported to be around 800 km/second. This wind has affected much of the atmosphere and has resulted in drastic climatic changes, especially in areas near poles like Korea. The Earth’s magnetic field not only shields the mankind and Earth’s surface from the ultraviolet rays but also from other rays such as cosmic rays. Sun releases UV rays, cosmic rays, ionized gases, and other harmful particles. The Earth’s magnetic field is becoming weaker with the passage of time. The weakening of Earth’s magnetic field became evident 2000 years ago but the process has accelerated much in past 20 years. This has resulted in the changes in Earth’s climate. A Danish study conducted in 2009 discussed the view that changes in Earth’s magnetic field have resulted in the climate change. (Ansary, 2009) The solar storms and solar activities may stop the communication systems and satellites. With the advancements in technology, mankind is becoming more dependent on the radio-electronic devices. Hence, solar storm may disable the life-support systems on the Earth’s surface. The particles deflected by Earth’s magnetic field can easily be deflected by the Earth’s atmosphere. The importance of Earth’s magnetic field is that it protects the atmosphere from getting affected by harmful particles. The destruction of Earth’s magnetic field has resulted in the destruction of Earth’s atmosphere. Consequently, it has led to the destructions on the Earth’s surface and is said to be one of the causes of global warming. (NASA, 2003) Bibliography Ansary, A. (2009, February 25). Solar Cycles and Earths Weakening Magnetic Field. Retrieved July 24, 2011, from NEXUS: http://www.nexusmagazine.com NASA. (2003, December 03). Cracks in Earths Magnetic Shield. Retrieved July 24, 2011, from NASA: http://science.nasa.gov NASA. (2005). MAgnetic Field and Life. astroventure.arc.nasa.gov. Read More