The orientation of the magnetic stripes of iron contained in rocks that support the idea of seafloor spreading is primarily north and south. This is due to the Earth's magnetic field, which has undergone reversals over geological time. As magma rises at mid-ocean ridges and solidifies, iron minerals within the rocks align according to the Earth's magnetic field at that time. When the magnetic field reverses, the new lava that cools will record this new orientation, creating a pattern of magnetic stripes that mirror each other on either side of the mid-ocean ridge. This symmetrical pattern provides evidence for seafloor spreading.
What is the orientation of the magnetic stripes of iron contained in rocks that support the idea of seafloor spreading?
east and west
north and east
south and west
north and south
1 answer
1 answer