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Magnetic stripes on the seafloor are alternating bands of magnetized rock that form parallel to mid-ocean ridges. These stripes are a result of Earth's magnetic field changing direction over time and getting preserved in the rocks as they cool and solidify. They provide evidence for seafloor spreading and plate tectonics.
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Magnetic stripes on the seafloor are caused in part by?
symmetrical spreading of the ocean floor at mid-ocean ridges, where molten material rises to create new seafloor. As this material cools and solidifies, it records the Earth's magnetic field at the time, creating magnetic stripes on the seafloor. This phenomenon provides evidence for seafloor spreading and plate tectonics.
How is magnetism used to support the theory about seafloor spreading?
Magnetism is used to support the theory of seafloor spreading through the study of magnetic stripes on the seafloor. These stripes are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field and provide evidence for the process of seafloor spreading, where new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges. As the crust cools and solidifies, the magnetic minerals in the rocks align with the Earth's magnetic field, creating a record of magnetic reversals over time that support the theory of seafloor spreading.
How does seafoor age and magnetic clues support seafloor spreading?
Seafloor is youngest near the mid-ocean ridges and gets progressively older as you move away from the ridge. Magnetic stripes on the seafloor provide evidence of seafloor spreading, as they show alternating patterns of normal and reversed magnetic polarity that match the Earth's magnetic reversals over time. This supports the theory of seafloor spreading as new oceanic crust is created at the mid-ocean ridge and spreads outward.
What geologic discovery in the 1960's provided the scientific evidence to verify the occurrence of continental drift?
The discovery of magnetic stripes on the ocean floor in the 1960s provided scientific evidence to verify continental drift. These stripes showed alternating patterns of normal and reversed polarity, supporting the idea of seafloor spreading and the movement of tectonic plates.
What are two pieces of evidence for sea-floor spreading?
The existence of mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is being formed through volcanic activity. Magnetic stripes recorded on the seafloor that show symmetric patterns of reversed and normal polarity, providing evidence of past magnetic field reversals and thus the movement of tectonic plates.
