What type of magnetic anomaly would be found in igneous rocks that have recently solidified at the ridge crest?

Answer 1

Igneous rocks that have recently solidified at the ridge crest would typically exhibit a magnetic anomaly known as normal magnetization. This occurs because the iron-bearing minerals within the magma align with the Earth's magnetic field as the rocks cool and solidify. Since these rocks form at mid-ocean ridges, they will record the current orientation of the Earth's magnetic field at that time, leading to a positive magnetic anomaly. Over time, as the magnetic field reverses, older rocks will show alternating patterns of normal and reversed magnetization, contributing to the seafloor magnetic stripe pattern.