As studies show, in the entire history of our planet's existence, cataclysms have repeatedly occurred on it, which seriously changed its appearance. Recent studies have shown that some of these disasters can occur regularly, so there is a chance that they will recur in the near future.
Threat from space
Studies of the earth's surface made it possible to find on it a large number of traces from the impact of cosmic bodies. Particularly difficult in their search was the fact that the surface of our planet is constantly changing under the influence of the atmosphere and biosphere, so not all craters are well preserved, in contrast to craters on celestial bodies devoid of atmosphere.
The findings led scientists to the conclusion that collisions of the Earth with large celestial bodies occur regularly, with a frequency of several tens of millions of years. According to one version, as a result of the impact of the Earth and another large celestial body, the Moon was formed from the debris thrown into orbit. This event took place about 4 billion years ago.
Special teams are currently in place to track large asteroids. But this does not guarantee complete safety, since objects that are relatively small in size are very difficult to track. Meanwhile, even a stone several meters in size, falling on a large city, can cause catastrophic damage.
Another source of danger in space is the Sun. Until now, scientists have a vague idea of the processes taking place in its depths, obtaining data only indirectly. Recently, however, all the facts indicate that some incomprehensible and ominous processes are taking place on the star that do not fit into the picture compiled by researchers during the study of the star. The classical theory says that the Sun should function in the same regime for another 5 billion years. But, the new data obtained indicate that the temperature of the star's core is constantly increasing, which can lead to its explosion much earlier. Some astrophysicists believe that this catastrophic event could happen in the coming years.
Promotional video:
Danger from gas hydrates
In addition to threats from space, there are dangers that threaten the existence of all living things on Earth. One of these phenomena can be called methane hydrates. This substance is a special crystalline compound of water and methane molecules that can exist at temperatures below 80 degrees, or at a pressure of at least 25 bar. Deposits of this mineral have been found at the bottom of many water bodies, in addition, they are also found in permafrost. As the temperature rises, the structure of such ice breaks down and methane is released, sometimes with ignition. As a result, the gas enters the atmosphere.
According to the latest data, the average temperature on the planet is gradually increasing, which could trigger the release of thousands of tons of methane currently trapped in methane hydrate deposits. This course of events will lead to a sudden increase in temperature and an increase in the greenhouse effect. The consequences of this process will be catastrophic for all life on Earth. Scientists suggest that this has already happened before, calling the release of methane into the atmosphere the cause of the Perm extinction. In addition, the air saturated with this gas in excess of any limits of the permissible norm will become poisonous for people and other living organisms, therefore, a new extinction in the future is not excluded.
Fluctuations in the magnetic field
The Earth's magnetic field, which protects all life on it from the deadly cosmic rays, can also pose a global danger. It is generated by the core of the planet, heated to several thousand degrees, and rotating around the axis, and has 2 poles - north and south, which are located slightly away from the geographic poles. During the study of geological samples of ancient rocks, it was found that throughout the history of our planet, its magnetic field has repeatedly changed its magnetic poles. As a result, the north magnetic pole became south, and vice versa. This happened with a frequency of about once every 1 million years. Judging by the data received, the last time the pole change took place about 800,000 years ago, which means that a new similar event awaits the Earth soon.
According to calculations, before the change of poles, the magnetic field may disappear altogether for some time, which will have a very negative effect on all living organisms. First of all, the satellites that provide navigation and communication will fail. As a result, transport will stop, all electronic equipment that is vulnerable to such rays will be turned off. All of this will cause panic, chaos and confusion. People unprotected by a magnetic field will get sick and die, being exposed to harsh cosmic radiation. As a result, when the poles change and the field strength is restored, there will be almost no living organisms on the planet. If the process proceeds gradually, then the consequences may not be so severe.
All these possible scenarios of global catastrophes have the likelihood of developing, however, it is worth remembering that perhaps nothing will happen if humanity takes care of its home and protects it.