answersLogoWhite

0

They form by the cooling of ferrous rock at the time it transitions from a molten state to a solid state. The ferrous particles are trapped in the orientation of the earths current magnetic field.

The earths magnetic field alternates every certain number of years (a huge number like 500,000 years.)

Since rock will cool at different times alternating layers of rock can have a completely opposite magnetic orientation.

They are useful because you can tell the relative age of the different layers of rock based on this evidence.

Hope this helps. Very brief and crude explanation.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Are magnetic stripes visible earths ocean floor?

Yes ndj D6ff gwbzusnheudhebuuduendjjdjxnnsj


How would the history of reversals show itself on the ocean floor?

The history of reversals can be observed on the ocean floor through magnetic striping. When new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, magnetic minerals align with the Earth's magnetic field. Over time, as the Earth's magnetic field reverses, these minerals record the reversals in alternating magnetic stripes on the ocean floor. This provides evidence for the history of reversals.


What are Magnetic stripes on the sea floor caused by?

Magnetic stripes on the sea floor are caused by the alternating polarities of Earth's magnetic field. As magma rises and solidifies at mid-ocean ridges, it locks in the magnetic orientation of the Earth's field at that time. Over time, as the Earth's magnetic field reverses, these magnetic stripes are preserved, providing a record of past magnetic field variations.


True or false magnetic stripes on the ocean floor are places where oceanic crust sinks back to the mantle?

True. Magnetic stripes on the ocean floor are created by alternating bands of magnetic polarities in the oceanic crust. These stripes are evidence of seafloor spreading where new crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, pushing older crust away. Subduction zones are where older crust sinks back into the mantle.


Do magnetic stripes on the ocean floor oceanic crust sink back into the mantle?

No, the magnetic stripes on the ocean floor form due to the alignment of magnetic minerals in the crust as it solidifies from the mantle. The oceanic crust is eventually consumed in subduction zones and recycled back into the mantle, but the magnetic stripes themselves do not sink back into the mantle.


How do the magnetic strips on the ocean floor form Why are they significant?

The magnetic strips on the ocean floor form through the process of seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges, where magma rises and solidifies, aligning with Earth's magnetic field. As new crust is created, it records the current magnetic orientation, creating parallel stripes of normal and reversed magnetism. These magnetic patterns are significant as they provide evidence for plate tectonics, helping to understand the history of Earth's magnetic field and the dynamics of continental drift. Additionally, they assist in dating the age of the oceanic crust.


How do magnetic stripes show Earth's history of magnetic fields?

As you move away from an ocean ridge, the rocks get older.


What Causes of magnetic striping?

Magnetic striping on the ocean floor is caused by the movement of tectonic plates. As new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, Earth's magnetic field causes iron-rich minerals in the crust to align and record the direction of the magnetic field at that time. This results in alternating patterns of magnetic polarity stripes on the ocean floor.


Is magnetic stripes on the ocean floor the places where oceanic crust sinks back to the mantle?

it is right in your book soo... you should be able to answer this


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.


Why do magnetic stripes appear on the seefloor?

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


Why do magnetic strips appear on the sea floor?

Magnetic stripes on the sea floor form as a result of the movement of tectonic plates. When magma rises to the surface at mid-ocean ridges and solidifies into new rock, it records the Earth's magnetic field at the time. This creates alternating stripes of normal and reversed polarity as the Earth's magnetic field has flipped multiple times throughout history.