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Ferromagnetic materials are randomly distributed, but in a magnetic field, they can become aligned

in the direction of the magnetic field. The earth's magnetic field has a fairly stable direction over very long time periods (many thousands of years). :D hope u injoy

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Minerals in igneous rocks can show the direction of earths?

The Earth magnetic field changes approximately every 200,000 thousand years.


What happens to the earths polarity over time?

Earth's magnetic field reverses its polarity irregularly, with north and south magnetic poles switching places every few hundred thousand years. This phenomenon is known as geomagnetic reversal. The last complete reversal happened around 780,000 years ago.


What is the definition of magnetic reversal?

A magnetic reversal is a process in which Earth's magnetic field flips its orientation, causing the magnetic north and south poles to switch places. These reversals have occurred periodically throughout Earth's history and are recorded in the rock record.


What happens to earths magnetic poles over time?

Earth's magnetic poles are not fixed; they undergo gradual shifts and periodic reversals over geological timescales. The magnetic field can drift, causing the poles to move, sometimes by several kilometers per year. Additionally, every few hundred thousand years, the magnetic poles can completely reverse, a phenomenon known as geomagnetic reversal. These changes are driven by the dynamics of the Earth's molten outer core, where the magnetic field is generated.


Why are there magnetic strips on the ocean floor what do they mean?

The earth maintains a magnetic field due to the metals that make up its core. Thus, all rocks are influenced by this magnetic field and "face" the direction the field is "facing". Every few hundred million years the poles switch, and with it the magnetic field. Similarly, all rocks "face" the new direction. Magnetic strips are indicators of when the magnetic field of the Earth changed.

Related Questions

How could earths magnetic field magnetize an iron bar over years?

I see where you're going, and it is feasible, but any magnetic charges that develop in it would be veryextremely minute (meaning very little). But to answer your question, Earth can magnetize an iron bar because the poles in iron are scattered in different directions, and as it's just laying there, they naturally align with Earth's magnetic field. It's hard to explain, because magnetism is such an abstract force, but all I can say is that it naturally happens.


Why do scientists think that earths' magnetic field has not always pointed north?

Every 100,000 years or so, the Earths magnetic field shifts direction. North becomes south, south becomes north.


About how long ago was the last time earths magnetic field reversed?

About 41,000 years ago.


Minerals in igneous rocks can show the direction of earths?

The Earth magnetic field changes approximately every 200,000 thousand years.


How long ago did the earths magnetic field reverse itself?

The last time that Earth's magnetic field reversed itself was 780,000 years ago. See the related link for two timelines showing geomagnetic reversals in Earth's history.


Does the earths magnetic field has periodically reversed direction?

Yes, the Earth's magnetic field has periodically reversed its direction throughout history. These reversals are known as geomagnetic reversals and have occurred many times over the past few million years.


About how do earths magnetic poles reverse?

every 250,000 years :)


About how often do earths magnetic poles?

every 250,000 years :)


Earths magnetic poles reverse approximately every how many years?

250,000 years


Will the polarity of the earths magnetic field change in 2012?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the polarity of Earth's magnetic field will change in 2012 or any time soon. The Earth's magnetic field has undergone numerous reversals throughout its history, but these events occur over thousands of years, not within a single year.


How often does the earths magnetic field change polarity?

The Earth's magnetic field has changed polarity hundreds of times in the geological past. This phenomenon is known as geomagnetic reversal. The frequency at which these reversals occur is not regular, but on average, it is estimated to happen every few hundred thousand years.


How long does it take for the Earth's magnetic field to reverse?

The Earth's magnetic field can take thousands of years to reverse.