Question

What can scientists learn from magnetic striping patterns? Select the three correct answers.(2 points)
Responses

the exact location of the next earthquake along the California coast
the exact location of the next earthquake along the California coast

the cause of magnetic pole reversals
the cause of magnetic pole reversals

the direction plates are moving relative to each other
the direction plates are moving relative to each other

the speed of one plate as it subducts below another plate
the speed of one plate as it subducts below another plate

the location of ancient faults caused by seismic activity.
the location of ancient faults caused by seismic activity.

the year the next magnetic reversal will take place

Answer 1

From magnetic striping patterns, scientists can learn the following:

1. **The cause of magnetic pole reversals** - Magnetic striping provides evidence of the history of Earth's magnetic field reversals and can give insights into the processes behind these events.

2. **The direction plates are moving relative to each other** - Magnetic striations on the ocean floor indicate the direction of tectonic plate movement as new crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges.

3. **The speed of one plate as it subducts below another plate** - By measuring the age of magnetic stripes and their distances from mid-ocean ridges, scientists can estimate the rate of plate movement.

The other options (location of the next earthquake, location of ancient faults, and year of the next magnetic reversal) cannot be determined directly from magnetic striping patterns.