0
Magnetic reversals found in the sea floor do not cause continental drift. It does however provide evidence that sea floor spreading occurs (and hence is evidence for the theory of plate tectonics).
This is because the iron rich minerals in basaltic rocks (such as magnetite) are at high temperatures when they are first intruded into the crust and at these high temperatures they record the orientation of Earth's magnetic field. As they cool, this record of the orientation of the magnetic field is "locked" in place.
The Earth's magnetic field is known to "reverse polarity" - the north and south magnetic poles switch over time and so the orientation of the magnetic field in newly cooled rocks will change to match this.
Geophysicists had recognised that there were alternating bands of rocks with these reversed orientations of the magnetic field. These bands ran parallel to the Mid-Ocean-Ridges.
In the 1960s after significant magnetic survey work was undertaken it was realised that the alternating bands on one side of the oceanic ridge were a mirror image to the bands on the other side.
So why is this evidence for sea floor spreading / plate tectonics?
Well it was realised that if the newly intruded rock was to move away from the Mid-Ocean-Ridge (M-O-R) and be replaced with new younger rock, this rock would continue to record the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field as and when reversals occurred. As such this would lead to the stripes of alternating magnetic orientation that are symmetrical about the M-O-R. As such movement of the plates away from a M-O-R and the reversals of Earth's magnetic field best explained the presence of these bands and so confirmed the idea that sea floor spreading was occurring.
For more information, please see the related link.
What else can I help you with?
How continental drift explains today's position of the continents.?
Magnetic Reversals
Could the earth's magnetic poles be the cause of continental drift?
No, the Earth's magnetic poles are not responsible for continental drift. Continental drift is primarily driven by the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth's lithosphere. The Earth's magnetic field does play a role in plate tectonics through magnetic stripes on the ocean floor, but it is not the primary cause of continental drift.
What do magnetic reversals tell us?
Magnetic reversals provide insights into the Earth's geological history, particularly regarding the dynamics of the planet's molten outer core, which generates the magnetic field. These reversals, recorded in rock strata, help scientists understand the timing and frequency of geomagnetic changes, offering clues about plate tectonics and continental drift. Additionally, studying these events aids in understanding past climate changes, as they can influence atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns.
What do magnetic reversals provide strong evidence of?
Magnetic reversals provide strong evidence of the Earth's shifting magnetic field over geological time scales. These reversals, recorded in the ocean floor's basaltic rocks, support the theory of plate tectonics by demonstrating seafloor spreading and continental drift. The patterns of magnetic striping on either side of mid-ocean ridges show symmetrical changes in polarity, reinforcing the idea of new crust being formed and pushed away from these divergent boundaries. This evidence is crucial for understanding the dynamic processes that shape our planet.
Which aspect of magnetic reversal provides evidence of continental drift?
Periodically, the magnetic field of the earth reverses polarity. The direction of the magnetic field is recorded in the magnetic properties of rocks when they are erupted. Rocks are being continuously added at sea floor spreading regions, and thus the magnetic reversals are recorded as pairs of parallel 'stripes' alongside the mid ocean spreading ridge.
How continental drift explains today's position of the continents.?
Magnetic Reversals
How do continental drift explain today's position of the continents?
Magnetic Reversals
Could the earth's magnetic poles be the cause of continental drift?
No, the Earth's magnetic poles are not responsible for continental drift. Continental drift is primarily driven by the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth's lithosphere. The Earth's magnetic field does play a role in plate tectonics through magnetic stripes on the ocean floor, but it is not the primary cause of continental drift.
How was Allan Cox contributing to the theory of continental drift?
Cox contributed to continental drift theory by researching and proving that the seafloor spreads and that the Earth has experienced magnetic reversals. He did this by studying the layers of volcanoes and streambeds.
Plate motion is caused partly by magnetic reversals convection currents continental drift or volacnic hot spots?
Convection currents
What do magnetic reversals tell us?
Magnetic reversals provide insights into the Earth's geological history, particularly regarding the dynamics of the planet's molten outer core, which generates the magnetic field. These reversals, recorded in rock strata, help scientists understand the timing and frequency of geomagnetic changes, offering clues about plate tectonics and continental drift. Additionally, studying these events aids in understanding past climate changes, as they can influence atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns.
What do magnetic reversals provide strong evidence of?
Magnetic reversals provide strong evidence of the Earth's shifting magnetic field over geological time scales. These reversals, recorded in the ocean floor's basaltic rocks, support the theory of plate tectonics by demonstrating seafloor spreading and continental drift. The patterns of magnetic striping on either side of mid-ocean ridges show symmetrical changes in polarity, reinforcing the idea of new crust being formed and pushed away from these divergent boundaries. This evidence is crucial for understanding the dynamic processes that shape our planet.
Which aspect of magnetic reversal provides evidence of continental drift?
Periodically, the magnetic field of the earth reverses polarity. The direction of the magnetic field is recorded in the magnetic properties of rocks when they are erupted. Rocks are being continuously added at sea floor spreading regions, and thus the magnetic reversals are recorded as pairs of parallel 'stripes' alongside the mid ocean spreading ridge.
What does the continental drift cause?
it is caused by conviction
Is the theory of the continental drift true?
Continental Drift is an obsolete name for the theory of Plate Tectonics and yes, it is true. It has been proved in many ways, by comparing the composition of oceanic crust and its ages with that of the continental crust, by plotting the reversals of magnetism in the oceanic crust and many other ways.
Does continental drift cause new land?
Yes, it can cause new land if an underwater volcano erupts due to Continental Drift, and the lava goes hard.
Scientists use the magnetic properties of some minerals as evidence of?
Scientists use the magnetic properties of some minerals as evidence of past changes in Earth's magnetic field. These changes can provide insight into the Earth's geological history, including continental drift and past climates.
