Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: Mariana on 05/02/2019 16:19:34

Title: Does tectonic movement lead to climate change?
Post by: Mariana on 05/02/2019 16:19:34

Sva is interested in knowing:

Is it be possible that the tectonic movement could lead to changing climatic patterns? Secondly, would the switching of the magnetic poles also disturb the climate?

What do you think?

Title: Re: Does tectonic movement lead to climate change?
Post by: evan_au on 05/02/2019 20:27:49

Quote from: OP

Is it be possible that the tectonic movement could lead to changing climatic patterns?

Yes, it is thought that the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwanaland resulted in climate changes.

Is it possible that tectonic movement since the 1700s could lead to changing climatic patterns since the 1700s?
No, even the fastest-moving tectonic plates move only inches per year, so tectonic movements in the past 300 years will amount to less than 10 yards. The tide comes in further than this, in many places.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangaea#Climate_change_after_Pangaea

Quote

would the switching of the magnetic poles also disturb the climate?

Probably not major changes to the climate, but:
- It could increase cosmic ray intensity at ground level, far from the poles (these are currently redirected off towards the poles)
- It could confuse birds, smartphones and other creatures using magnetism for direction sensing.

Have the poles switched since the 1700s?
No, although there has been an ongoing weakening of the dipole field.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geomagnetic_reversal#Effects_on_biosphere