Magnetism and Plate Tectonics Quick Check

Question

3 of 33 of 3 Items
Question
Identify the factors that cause magnetic stripes to form along the ocean floor. Select the two correct answers.(1 point)
Responses

Rock forming at the oceanic ridge pushes older rock outward in both directions.
Rock forming at the oceanic ridge pushes older rock outward in both directions.

Plates move as new rock forms, which causes magnetic direction to skew away from normal.
Plates move as new rock forms, which causes magnetic direction to skew away from normal.

Magma acquires the magnetic direction present on Earth when it hardens into rock
Magma acquires the magnetic direction present on Earth when it hardens into rock

Magnetic direction of rock changes as Earth’s magnetic poles drift.
Magnetic direction of rock changes as Earth’s magnetic poles drift.
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Answer 1

The two correct answers that identify the factors causing magnetic stripes to form along the ocean floor are:

1. Rock forming at the oceanic ridge pushes older rock outward in both directions.

2. Magma acquires the magnetic direction present on Earth when it hardens into rock.

These factors are critical in explaining the pattern of magnetic stripes observed in oceanic crust, which is related to the process of seafloor spreading and the reversals of Earth's magnetic field.