Question

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

Answer 1

Paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory of continental drift by showing that the Earth's magnetic field has reversed itself many times in the past. Rocks that formed millions of years ago contain magnetic minerals that align with the Earth's magnetic field at the time of their formation. By studying the magnetism of rocks from different continents, scientists have found that the magnetic patterns on rocks from different locations match up when the continents are repositioned to fit together, providing evidence for continental drift. This suggests that continents were once joined together and have since moved apart.