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When rocks are formed, usually from lava flows, the magnetic orientation of them is set as they solidify. As these rocks are affected by continental drift and other factors such as earthquakes, the original magnetic orientation remains.

Using the known strengths of the earth's magnetic field over time, it is possible to then tell where these rocks originally emerged.

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Q: How can the magnetic orientation of rocks be used to trace a continent that has drifted?
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How can the magnetic orientation of rocks be used to trace the way a continent moved as it drifted?

•The magnetic orientation of rocks of different ages can be compared to get an idea of how the position of a continent has changed over time. This is the exact answer out of the book.


The orientation of a rock’s magnetic field can tell you its?

The orientation of a rocks magnetic field can tell you it's relative age.


What happens to the magnetic orientation of rocks as the poles?

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What can the orientation of a rocks magnetic field can tell you?

The orientation of a rocks magnetic field can tell you it's relative age.


What happen to the magnetic orientation of rocks as the poles reverse?

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What happens to the magnetic orientation of rocks as the poles reverse?

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What happened to the magnetic orientation of rocks as the poles reversed?

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What happens to the magnetic orientation of rocks as the pole reverse?

There is nothing -_-


How is the orientation of earths magnetism recorded in rocks on the?

Earth's magnetic orientation is locked into the rock when the rock cools


How is the orientation of Earth's magnetism recorded in rocks on the ocean floor?

Earths magnetic orientation is locked into the rock when the rock cools


How is the orientation of earths magnetics recorded in the rocks on the ocean?

Earths magnetic orientation is locked into the rock when the rock cools


Why do magnetic stripes appear on the sea?

The seafloor spreads apart, creating new rocks that record magnetic orientation. Small grains of magnetite on the volcanic basalt (ocean floor) have magnetic properties.