[Robert A Cook PE]

radiation might be a problem...?



Uncertain.


The van Allen belts do shield the earth from the sun's magnetically guided particles, so general radiation could increase.

That assumes that the van Allen belts are greatly reduced if the magnetic fields is switching. Other magnetic switches in the past seem to be very fast according to lava flow data freezing magnetic signatures in place, and the field comes back "up" (but reversed) in a very, very short amount of time.

Given the tremendous impact of El Nino from only small changes in tropical sun radiation, changing large areas of Arctic solar radiation and solar heat gain would affect climate too.

Maybe.

[ßuddaßudd]

Im no scientist, but I thought that the ability to deflect radiation will decrease as the polarity weakens before it reverses over time. (on my 3rd cup of java and I think i know something, back to lurking..)

[Kenny Bunk]

in re 'Van Allen' belts

This is precisely why I am backing Hillary and Nancy Pelosi. If one of them, or Al Gore, or John Kerry were running this country, they would raise taxes on wealthy heteronormative, gender binary, patriarchal white males to equip every woman, child, minority group member, and participant in an alternative life-style, with their very own Van Allen Belt.

In fact, I believe that caches of this vital gear should be placed at strategic points in the deserts along the Mexican border, so that no illegal alien need go unprotected.

"heteronormative, gender binary, patriarchal" ... notice my new, improved vocabulary ... it's wonderful when one's children share their New England education with one ... despite their admission that their father may well be all of those nasty things.