• Weakening in the magnetic field
• debate
○ Will recover
○ The reversal of the magnetic field
• Magnetic field
○ Motion of electrons
§ Mechanical energy →magnetic energy
○ Rotation + gravitational & thermodynamic effects
○ Short-term behavior
○ Long-term : paleomagnetic record
§ Earth's field : reversed
□ e.g. 1906[BB]: discovery of rocks
□ 1965 published the first detailed study
□ Today
® Magnetic: exist in either of 2 polarity states
◊ Normal & reverse
◊ 3.6 million years: >9 reversals
§ Not instantaneously
□ 98% stable
□ 2% unstable