Recurrent ancient geomagnetic field anomalies shed light on future evolution of the South Atlantic Anomaly

Abstract

Significance Earth’s magnetic field, which is generated through convection in the liquid iron–rich outer core, acts as a shield against harmful particle radiation. During the past two centuries, the field strength has decreased rapidly as an area of weak field has expanded over the South Atlantic Ocean. The decreased shielding effect of the magnetic field in this area has important implications for low Earth-orbiting satellites and space travel. Using archeological and geological records, we have reconstructed the variations of Earth’s magnetic field over the past 9,000 y. We find evidence for recurrent magnetic field anomalies, similar to the present-day South Atlantic Anomaly, which provides insights into underlying geodynamo processes that may help predict the future development of Earth’s magnetic field.