FOOD FOR THOUGHT

by: Chita Dela Cruz-Heap

Uncertain Times

It has been suggested that at no time during the history of man has our Earth been more prone to geological upheaval than at the present time. The increasing frequency of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis bears testimony to this,with extreme weather patterns being a further contributory factor.

Our solar system is currently on the cusp of a new age as we transcend from the age of Pisces into the age of Aquarius. Such transitional periods occur every two thousand years, and are often accompanied by an increase in astronomical activity. Could it be that the movements of stars in the heavens are having a corresponding impact upon the Earth?

It is unlikely that the moon has a significant influence upon the movement of tectonic plates which make up the Earth’s crust, since its orbit around the Earth maintains a regular frequency. It is true that the moon exerts a magnetic pull upon the Earth, as is evidenced by the tidal cycle experienced by our oceans, but its effect on the Earth’s crust is most probably minimal.

The influence of the sun is another consideration.The sun undergoes an eleven year cycle in which it becomes more active at certain periods than at others. It is currently approaching its phase of maximum activity.

The bulk of our planet comprises a molten iron and nickel core which is in a constant state of flux, the Earth’s crust being as little as twelve miles thick in places. The influence that the moon, the sun, and other planets exert upon this molten core remains a matter for speculation, since any impact is extremely difficult to measure.

It is movement within this fluid chore which creates the divergence between true North and magnetic North, a phenomenon of which most sailors are aware. We also know that this divergence is prone to fluctuate in response to movement of molten material within the chore.

We also know from the examination of magnetite crystals found near volcanos that the Earth’s magnetic polarity has undergone a reversal on a number of occasions since the Earth was first formed. That is to say that North has become South, and South has become North, a phenomenon known as a ‘magnetic flip’.

Magnetite crystals are spewed out of volcanos in liquid form during times of volcanic activity, but before solidifying they align themselves along a North to South axis to indicate the position of the Earth’s magnetic North at the time. As a result of geological investigations some 187 magnetic flips have so far been identified, though it is likely that there have been many more.

Scientific evidence indicates that a magnetic flip is now due, since such events tends to occur at regular intervals. The strength of the Earth’s magnetic field has decreased by some 10% since 1980, which is one indication that another flip is due. This is a plausible explanation too for why our planet is becoming warmer, because the Earth’s magnetic field helps to filter out harmful ultra violet radiation from the sun.

Movement within the Earth’s chore is further highlighted by the existence of what has become known as the South Atlantic anomaly. Lines of magnetic force normally emanate from the South pole and re-enter the Earth at the North pole, but in one area of the South Atlantic these lines of magnetic force re-enter the Earth at two locations, both of them being within the vicinity of the Bermuda Triangle.

The Bermuda Triangle has over the years become notorious for the mysterious disappearance of ships and aircraft using its sea lanes and air space. It could well be that this magnetic anomaly is responsible for misleading and inaccurate compass readings which have resulted in the loss of the missing craft.

It has also been found that these areas are slowly moving towards each other, the supposition being that they will ultimately merge to become one. This is a further indication of a dynamic process going on beneath the Earth’s crust, as is the movement of various ‘hot spots’ which give rise to volcanic activity at the surface.

A magnetic flip has not so far occurred since mankind first appeared upon the planet, and as such it will be a unique event. If another flip does occur, quite possibly within the next hundred years, the effects on our planet will be devastating.

Firstly the Earth would loose its atmosphere, and it would most probably take several months for the atmosphere to reform. On a planet with no atmosphere there would be no oxygen to breath. Ultra violet radiation from the sun would no longer be blocked by the Earth’s gravitational field, and nor would it be filtered out by the atmosphere. This radiation would have severe implications for all living organisms including ourselves. We should bear in mind too that on December 21st 2012 every planet in our solar system will form a straight line with the sun. The gravitational impact of this event will be substantial not only upon the Earth but also upon the Sun, and it is anybody’s guess what the consequences might be. It is quite possible that the Earth’s tectonic plates will be subjected to additional pressure as a consequence of such an event.

The nature of our universe is such that it is always changing, always evolving, and nothing remains the same for long. Events which occur in the heavens which surround us invariably have an impact upon our own Earth too, be it to a greater or to a lesser extent.

The future of our planet may be uncertain, but this has always been the case. In due course the future will announce itself, but in the meanwhile we have little option other than to enjoy the time that we have available to us now./TE