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

Question

Responses

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

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

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

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

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

the speed of one plate as it subducts below another plate

Answer 1

Scientists can learn the following from magnetic striping patterns:

1. The direction plates are moving relative to each other - Magnetic striping provides evidence of seafloor spreading, showing how tectonic plates move apart and the direction of that movement.

2. The cause of magnetic pole reversals - The patterns of magnetic striping record the history of Earth's magnetic field reversals, which helps scientists understand the processes behind these phenomena.

3. The speed of one plate as it subducts below another plate - The age and distance of the magnetic stripes can be used to estimate the rate of seafloor spreading and, indirectly, the speed at which tectonic plates may be subducting.

The other options regarding ancient faults caused by seismic activity, predicting the exact year of the next magnetic reversal, and pinpointing the location of future earthquakes are not determined by magnetic striping patterns.