A System Failure occurs when the countdown in the Swan reaches zero, after someone fails to enter the code. Red and black hieroglyphics replace the numbers, and a voice repeatedly says "System Failure". The Electromagnetic field increases, causing metallic objects to go flying.

There have been at least two System Failures that have occurred. The first was when Desmond failed to enter the code after following Kelvin, where it was discovered that he was working on Desmond's boat, The Elizabeth. Desmond accidentally killed him, but did not get back in time to push the button. The result of this was the crash of Flight 815, at 4:16PM. The log printout at the Pearl showed that this was the cause of the crash.

The Second happened on November 26, 2004, when Locke destroyed the computer, being certain that nothing would happen. A system failure occurred, proving Locke wrong, but because the computer was destroyed, Desmond had to turn the fail-safe key, resulting in a discharge.

Questions:

• How does the electromagnetic field increase and go out of control if the button is not pushed?
• Why did Dharma use the hieroglyphics?