Could Humans Survive Living on a Flat Earth?

For centuries, the concept of a spherical Earth has been fundamental to our understanding of science and the natural world. We have known the earth is a globe for around 2000 years, and there is also a huge amount of evidence people can use to test this. But there are still those wacko nutjobs, I mean people who refuse to believe the earth is round who continue to insist, despite the evidence that we live on a large flat disc. Today we’ll have a look at the question, could humans survive living on a flat Earth, and what would life be like on this pizza earth?

Gravity: The Cornerstone of Physical Reality

On a spherical Earth, gravity is the force that keeps everything—oceans, atmosphere, and life, anchored to the planet’s surface. This force acts uniformly, pulling everything toward the planet’s center. On a flat Earth, however, gravity would behave very differently, if it existed at all in the same manner.

If a flat Earth were to maintain gravitational force, it would have to act perpendicularly to the plane of the Earth. This would create bizarre scenarios at the edges of the flat plane, where the gravitational pull would no longer point downward but instead skew sideways, causing objects and people to feel a pull toward the center of the disk. This inconsistency would make building stable structures and traversing long distances extraordinarily challenging.

Alternatively, some flat-Earth models propose that gravity does not exist and that the Earth’s upward acceleration at 9.8 m/s² creates the sensation of weight. This notion, however, collapses under scrutiny. Without gravity, the atmosphere would not stay bound to the Earth, and air—essential for human survival—would disperse into space. Additionally, an accelerating flat Earth would face insurmountable issues with relativity, as it would eventually surpass the speed of light, violating the laws of physics as we understand them.

In short, the absence of consistent gravity on a flat Earth would pose a dire threat to human survival, as it would destabilize everything from ecosystems to basic human activities.

(A map of what a flat earth would look like, but this presents the problem of cats pushing everything off the edge)

Sunlight and the Flat Earth: A Question of Illumination

On a spherical Earth, the rotation of the planet ensures that sunlight is distributed across different regions, creating day and night. Seasons are caused by the axial tilt, which influences the intensity and duration of sunlight at various latitudes throughout the year.

How would these phenomena translate to a flat Earth?

Flat-Earth theories often depict the Sun as a small, localized light source hovering above the plane, moving in circular paths to illuminate specific areas. This model, however, introduces numerous complications. For one, such a Sun would create a spotlight effect, producing sharp boundaries between day and night rather than the gradual transitions we experience. Twilight and dawn, which are caused by the scattering of sunlight through the atmosphere, would cease to exist.

Moreover, the Sun’s limited reach would result in uneven heating of the Earth’s surface. Regions directly beneath the Sun’s path would experience extreme heat, while areas farther away might remain in perpetual darkness and cold. Such conditions would make sustaining life incredibly difficult. Ecosystems rely on predictable sunlight patterns for photosynthesis, which drives the food chain. Without this stability, plant and animal life would struggle to adapt.

Another issue arises with the Sun’s apparent movement. In flat-Earth models, the Sun would need to shrink and expand its light output significantly to mimic the observed variations in daylight hours across seasons. This requirement is not only physically implausible but also fails to explain phenomena such as the midnight Sun in polar regions.

(What really happened to the dinosaurs)

Atmospheric Dynamics: A Delicate Balance

Earth’s atmosphere is held in place by gravity, forming a protective layer that regulates temperature, shields against harmful solar radiation, and enables respiration. On a flat Earth, maintaining a stable atmosphere would be a formidable challenge.

Without a spherical gravitational pull, the atmosphere would likely dissipate, leaving the surface exposed to the vacuum of space. Even if some form of atmosphere persisted, its distribution would be uneven due to the lack of uniform gravitational force. Air pressure gradients, essential for weather systems and the water cycle, would become erratic or non-existent, disrupting rainfall patterns and agricultural viability.

Wind patterns, driven by the Coriolis effect on a rotating spherical Earth, would also cease to function. This would eliminate jet streams and ocean currents, which play a crucial role in moderating global temperatures and supporting marine ecosystems. The resulting climatic chaos would make many regions uninhabitable.

Geographical and Structural Implications

The geography of a flat Earth would differ dramatically from what we know. Mountains, valleys, and oceans rely on geological processes such as plate tectonics, which are facilitated by a spherical Earth’s internal structure and gravitational forces. On a flat Earth, these processes would either not occur or function in unpredictable ways.

Furthermore, the structural integrity of a flat Earth is questionable. A flat plane would be inherently unstable under its own weight, potentially bending or cracking over time. This instability would manifest in catastrophic geological events, such as earthquakes or fissures, making long-term survival precarious.

Navigation and Exploration

One of the key triumphs of human civilization has been its ability to navigate and explore the globe. A spherical Earth provides consistent geographical coordinates, enabling precise navigation using latitude and longitude. On a flat Earth, these systems would either require complete reconfiguration or become entirely obsolete.

Circumnavigation, a cornerstone of modern exploration, would be impossible on a flat plane. Instead, travelers would encounter edges or impassable barriers, limiting human movement and trade. This restriction would have profound implications for cultural exchange, economic development, and global cooperation.

Technological and Scientific Advancements

The scientific advancements that underpin modern society are deeply rooted in the understanding of a spherical Earth. Satellites, for instance, rely on orbital mechanics to function. On a flat Earth, satellites would be infeasible, severing humanity’s access to global communication, weather forecasting, and GPS technology.

Additionally, space exploration, which depends on precise calculations of gravitational forces and planetary orbits, would be rendered impossible. Humanity’s ability to understand its place in the universe would be severely hindered, stalling progress in numerous scientific fields.

Social and Psychological Considerations

Living on a flat Earth would also have profound social and psychological effects. The constant presence of an edge, if it existed, would likely evoke existential anxiety. Questions about what lies beyond the edge or how the Earth maintains its form would dominate human curiosity, potentially leading to widespread fear or mysticism.

Furthermore, the limitations imposed by a flat Earth—such as restricted travel, uneven resource distribution, and harsh living conditions—would exacerbate social inequalities and conflicts. The struggle for survival would overshadow cultural and intellectual pursuits, regressing human society to a more primitive state.

A Grim Reality

In summary, the survival of humans on a flat Earth is highly improbable. The absence of consistent gravity, uneven sunlight distribution, unstable atmospheric conditions, and the lack of essential natural processes would create an environment inhospitable to life as we know it. Beyond the physical challenges, the social and psychological ramifications would further diminish humanity’s prospects.

While entertaining the idea of a flat Earth can be an interesting thought experiment, it ultimately underscores the intricate and interconnected systems that make our spherical planet so uniquely suited for life. The harmony of these systems is a testament to the elegance of our natural world and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and understanding the Earth as it truly is.