Magnetic Storm Documentary

Name: Period: Date:

Directions: Complete this assignment while watching the documentary in class. (Submit on
Canvas)

1. How long has the magnetic field been in existence?

3.5 billion years

2. What is happening to the strength of Earth's magnetic field?

It's fading

3. How many miles down is the Earth's core?

2,000 miles

4. Where is the magnetic field created?

From the Earth's core to the poles and outward

5. What does the magnetic field protect humans/animals from?

Solar wind

6. What feature in the night sky is evidence of the solar particles?

Northern and southern lights

7. Why was there no trace of magnetism in the rocks of Hellas and Argyre on Mars?
Mars doesn't have a gobal magnetic field, so the impact happened after the field disappeared

8. What does Mario believe would happen to Earth’s atmosphere if our magnetic field were
to disappear?

The Earth's atmosphere would slowly be worn down after having to face solar wind and other debris
Magnetic Storm Documentary

9. What has pottery made during the past 5,000 years shown us about Earth’s magnetic
field over the past 300 years?

That our magnetic field is fading

10. What is one possible reason why Mars lost its magnetic field?

Mars's core could've cooled and solidified, causing it to lose its magnetic field

11. What is so special about some of the layers of volcanic rock that make up Steen’s
Mountain in Oregon?

Each layer reflects what the magnetic field looked like at the time

12. What does Gary’s model suggest might follow the recent decline in our magnetic field?

The decline could mean a polarity reversal

13. What will be unusual about the auroras during a period when Earth’s magnetic field is
weak?
Auoras happen more frequently with multiple of them because the Earth's
magnetic field is weak before a reversal

14. What are the hazards of magnetic storms?

Increased radiation and exposure to solar winds

15. What types of rocks make up the surface of Mars?

Igneous rocks
Magnetic Storm Documentary

16. What was Mars' environment prior?

Similar to Earth with large oceans and life forms

17. When does pottery record patterns in magnetic fields?

After pottery is cooked you can see the minerals in the clay and their
relationship with the magnetic field

18. Where on Earth are electrical currents produced?

The Earth's core

19. Before magnetic fields flip, what happens to the strength of the fields?

It weakens

20. What do scientists believe might happen with the reversal of the magnetic field?
Since the magnetic field gets weaker during a reversal, there would be more
radiation and aurora borealis's on Earth