Are there any scientific projections for the date of the next magnetic pole shift?

LeakyPickle

I posed a similar question a while back. Based on studies of rock (and oddly enough, pottery), scientists determined when the last magnetic pole shift may have taken place. Since the current magnetic pull has been gradually weakening, it was my understanding that it could happen again quite soon...but there was no solid projection given. The shift could wreak havoc on a number of things. I'm certain tons of electronics would become useless. I dread the other potentially disastrous consequences (loss of atmosphere being one of them). Most of the above info I got from NOVA, on PBS. Here's a reference I just found on a projected time - It says as early as 3000 A.D. Some other sources say the magnetic deterioration is accelerating: http://www.crystalinks.com/magnetics.html Mar 13 06, 3:42 PM

Baloo55th

I can't see much effect on electronics. The Earth's magnetic field is quite small in strength and is not used in electronic apparatus - except for electronic compasses. GPS equipment relies on satellite positions and not on magnetic fields. Computers, televisions, engine control systems, toasters and all should keep working - just like they did through Y2K in the main! I don't trust electronic compasses anyway - my wrist one is 20º out and so is the bigger one I gave to a small cousin. (She was very happy navigating us round South Wales with it even so - at 10 you don't worry about 20º. Previously it had been OK up to a visit to Conques in France where we had an electrical storm.) Mar 13 06, 4:14 PM