Magnetism and Plate Tectonics Quick Check

Question

2 of 32 of 3 Items
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 speed of one plate as it subducts below another plate
the speed of one plate as it subducts below another plate

the year the next magnetic reversal will take place
the year the next magnetic reversal will take place

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

the location of ancient faults caused by seismic activity.

Answer 1

From magnetic striping patterns, scientists can learn the following:

1. The cause of magnetic pole reversals - Understanding the patterns can provide insights into the history of Earth's magnetic field and how reversals occur.

2. The direction plates are moving relative to each other - Magnetic striping on the ocean floor shows symmetrical patterns about mid-ocean ridges, indicating the direction of plate movement.

3. The speed of one plate as it subducts below another plate - The width of magnetic stripes can help estimate the rate of plate movement, as older stripes are further from the ridge and younger stripes are closer.

These answers focus on geological and tectonic processes rather than predicting specific future events like earthquakes or the timing of future magnetic reversals.