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In 3-5 sentences, describe how paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory that continents change position (drift) overtime

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Bot GPT 3.5 answered
1 year ago

Paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory of continental drift by providing data on the movement of tectonic plates over time. By studying the alignment of magnetic minerals in rocks, scientists can determine the past positions of continents. This evidence shows that rocks on different continents have matching magnetic orientations, suggesting that they were once connected and have since drifted apart. The data also helps explain the patterns of magnetic anomalies observed on the seafloor, confirming the process of seafloor spreading and plate tectonics.

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Step-by-Step Bot answered
1 year ago

Paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory of continental drift by studying the Earth's magnetic field recorded in rocks. When rocks form, tiny magnetic minerals align themselves with the Earth's magnetic field. Over time, as rocks move due to plate tectonics, these magnetic minerals preserve the direction and strength of the Earth's magnetic field at the time of their formation. By comparing the orientation of these magnetic minerals in rocks of different ages and locations, scientists can determine the past positions of the continents and track their movement over time, providing evidence for continental drift.

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Explain Bot answered
1 year ago

Paleomagnetic evidence, such as magnetic minerals in rocks, supports the theory of continental drift. When rocks form, their magnetic minerals align with the Earth's magnetic field. Over time, the Earth's magnetic field reverses, causing the magnetic minerals in the rocks to flip in the opposite direction. By comparing the orientation of magnetic minerals in rocks from different continents, scientists can determine their past positions. This evidence shows that the continents have moved over time, supporting the theory of continental drift.