Weakening Of Earth's Magnetic Field

 Key Points

Earth's magnetic field is weakening

Earth's magnetic field protects our planet from deadly cosmic radiation coming out from sun

On an average it has gotten weaker in the last 200 years

This weakening of magnetic field can cause technical problems and malfunction in satellites and spacecraft. 

As per the reports, the earth's magnetic field on an average, has lost almost 9% of its strength in the last 200 years

However, a rapid weakening has been observed in the South Atlantic Anomaly, a stretch between Africa and South America. A large and rapid shrink has been observed in this region over the past 50 years just as the area itself has grown and moved westward.

While researchers are finding data to learn more about the area known as ‘South Atlantic Anomaly’, this phenomenon is causing technical disturbances in satellites orbiting the earth.

What is magnetic field

A magnetic field is a vector field that describes the magnetic influence of electric charges in relative motion and magnetized materials.
The effects of magnetic fields are commonly seen in permanent magnets, which pull on magnetic materials (such as iron) and attract or repel other magnets. Likewise Earth's magnetic field, also known as the geomagnetic field, is the magnetic field that extends from the Earth's interior out into space, where it interacts with the solar wind, a stream of charged particles emanating from the Sun.

What is the reason behind weakening of magnetic field

As per a study, the North Pole drift was due to the competition of the two magnetic blobs on the edge of the Earth's outer core. The strength of the negative magnetic flux has changed due to the flow of molten material inside the Earth. This changed flow has weakened the strength of the patch under Canada and increased the strength of the patch under Siberia. 
Another study reveals that the Earth's magnetic field is reversing.

 It is said that North and South Poles reverse approximately after 2,50,000 years. Last time this geomagnetic reversal happened 7,80,000 years ago. However, this study is opposed and challenged in a scientific journal in the year 2018 as this reversal takes tens of thousands of years. Thus, the exact cause of Earth's weak magnetic field is still a topic of debate and discussion.

What are the effects of this on us

 This anomaly doesn't directly impact human lives, it could actually bring a change in the way we access technology.

It could actually impact satellite and telecommunication system, which means that some of the internet and mobile phone functioning which depend on satellite signals can possibly get disrupted. It could also affect the mapping and navigation systems in smartphones.

The weakening of earth's magnetic field could also impact migratory movement of Birds, animals and all those who migrate with the change in season depend on the earth's mapping. This is only a possibility, but we don't know the extent of the damage till now.

If you want some more detail information refer this video.