What is the Earth’s magnetic field anomaly and why does it affect South America?

He a magnetic field belonging Earth has a strange anomaly this was discovered decades ago by scientists studying our planet, but it is It has intensified in recent years.

This anomaly, which experts call “dent from magnetic field”is located the space between South America and the South Atlantic. This is a geomagnetic feature characterized by significant reduction in magnetic field strength compared to other areas of the planet.

Although South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly (AMAS) has been the subject of study for decades due to its uniqueness and possible connection with underlying geodynamic and geophysical processes, The US government said it has increased its weakness in South America over the past four years, showing growth of 7%.

Both POT, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) USA and Center for Geographic Protection (DGC) of the United Kingdom has confirmed the increasing activity of the fault.

There are several theories that scientists are developing to explain this phenomenon. One of hypothesis suggests that this may be due to the presence of an accumulation of ancient basaltic rocks in the Earth’s mantle, which influences the generation of the magnetic field in this area.

Another theory suggests the possibility of the existence electric currents in the Earth’s liquid core which interact with the structure of the earth’s crust in this region, thus changing the magnetic field.

The main problem associated with this growing anomaly is potential impact on humanity and terrestrial living beings.

That’s what he is the magnetic field protecting the planet’s surface acts as a natural protective shield which repels harmful particles emitted by the Sun, such as cosmic radiation and solar winds, this could have a huge impact on both health and our technology. A weaker magnetic field allows these particles to pass through more, moving closer to the Earth’s surface and creating a potential threat.

“If he The Earth’s magnetic field did not exist That Solar radiation will destroy the biosphere in a matter of years– experts say.

Also, a weakening magnetic field can affect compass navigation systems and readings of magnetic instruments used in aviation and shipping. In addition, this anomaly could have implications for satellite communications and the protection of electronic systems from cosmic radiation.

Ongoing research is being conducted to better understand this anomaly and its consequences. Scientists are using a combination of data collected from space, such as those provided by satellites that specialize in magnetic field measurements, and ground-based measurements to map and monitor the South Atlantic Anomaly.

These efforts aim to shed light on the underlying geodynamic and geophysical processes and improve our understanding of the Earth’s magnetic field in this region.

Today the anomaly directly affects South America, especially Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, Where The lower magnetic field intensity exposes satellites and navigation systems to high levels of cosmic radiation.

“World Magnetic Model 2020 (WMM2020) Indicators “was assessed by comparing its forecasts for January 1, 2024 with those of a later model derived from data collected by the European Space Agency (ESA) Swarm satellites up to September 2023,” experts said in the latest report provided on this anomaly. at the end of 2023.

“In 2020, the magnetic north pole moved at an average speed of 41 km/year.and the magnetic dip pole of the south pole at a speed of 9 km/year. Neither noticed a noticeable change in direction. These movements resulted in minor changes in the shape and location of WMM blocking zones, where compass accuracy was greatly degraded,” the study added.

And he concluded: “The South Atlantic anomaly, where the geomagnetic field strength is lower, ha continued to deepen (about 25 nT at surface level) and westward movement (its center has moved about 20 km at surface level) in the past year. During the past year, three severe to severe geomagnetic storms occurred that resulted in significant (e.g., declination deviations greater than 9 degrees) but temporary impacts on WMM performance, primarily at high geomagnetic latitudes.”

According to the report, If this anomaly continues to weaken, it will most likely turn into a “hole.” This will in principle not affect life on Earth, but will affect passing satellites, which will be exposed to geomagnetic storms from the Sun.

Are solar storms they arise in sunspots, cooler, darker areas on the surface of our star where magnetic fields are especially strong and twisted. When these Magnetic fields rearrange or intersect, releasing enormous energy in the form of solar flares.

This became known, for example, when Solar particles arrived on Earth on May 10. and created long-term geomagnetic storm, achieving a G5 rating, its highest level since 2003. In addition, on May 14, the Sun newspaper published X8.7 class solar flare, the largest of the 25th solar cycle.

last great solar storm he not only lit up the sky bright and unusual auroras in the second week of May, but it was so intense that it could be recorded in deep ocean waters.

magnetic compasses of underwater observatories Ocean Networks Canada (ONC)) wrote down temporary magnetic field distortion from the earth.