Here's where the magnetic field is weakest, and why Africa may be ground zero for a pole shift event

Scientists are taking a close look at the South Atlantic Anomaly.

Scientists studying magnetic pole reversals now have an idea of where and how they may start. Figuring this out could help them determine how much time we have before the poles reverse again.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- The Earth's magnetic field, which shields us from solar radiation, is weakening at the rate of about 5 percent per decade. There is already a patch on the Earth where solar radiation descends to an altitude of just 120 miles above the surface. That patch is called the "South Atlantic Anomaly."

The anomaly moves a little each year, but remains centered over the South Atlantic Ocean. It extends over central Africa and into South America. The magnetic field there continues to weaken. Satellites passing through this region over the Earth are exposed to extra, intense radiation when they pass though this region and the International Space Station requires extra shielding.

The magnetic field is generated by the Earth's molten iron core. To understand it better, scientists have studied the region of the South Atlantic Anomaly very closely. They believe they have identified a place below the crust where the iron core meets the more solid mantle and it affects the strength of the magnetic field.

Scientists have also studied ancient African settlements to learn more about the magnetic field. They have learned that the magnetic field has fluctuated in the region Researchers zeroed in on the granaries of the Bantu people, which were occasionally burned. This burning stripped microscopic metal particles of their polarity, allowing them to take new a polarity as they cooled. Their new polarity was always linked to the existing magnetic field at that time. Using these microscopic particles as a clue, scientists have been able to determine the direction and the strength of the magnetic field in history.

Scientists learned that around 800 years ago, the magnetic field over Southern Africa weakened like it is doing today.

What does this mean?

The magnetic field fluctuates over time and it makes a full reversal every few hundred thousand years or so. The field is presently overdue for reversal. In a reversal, south points north and north points south. Just prior to the reversal, the magnetic field becomes very weak. This allows solar radiation to intensify on Earth and would raise the cancer risk for everyone on the planet.

But life would survive. Our prehistoric ancestors have survived such reversals before.

Scientists cannot be sure the present weakening will result in a pole reversal, or if it will simply strengthen again. There is no way to make an accurate prediction. But they think if reversal does happen, it will begin over Africa.

For now, scientists can only watch and wait. As for the rest of us, there's no need to worry, but keep sunscreen on hand, just in case.

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