How can the magnetic orientation of rocks be used to trace the way a continent move as it drifted? (hint: Special techniques exist for determining the age of rocks) My little sister has this problem, and asked me and i have no idea. PLEASE HELP
2006-12-19 13:43:58 · 7 answers · asked by Preposterous 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
When lava cools its magnetic minerals align themselves with the
magnetic poles. This alignment will be permanent thus 'pointing' the way to the pole for that time period.
It was found that lava flows from different time periods in the same area pointed in different directions. Therefore, either the
pole had moved or the continent had moved or both had moved between time periods.
Comparing lava flows from different continents showed that lava from same time periods but different continents had pointed to different pole locations. Unless each continent had its own magnetic pole, the best explanation was that the continents must be moving.
Hope that helps
Peace
2006-12-19 17:55:48 · answer #1 · answered by zingis 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i don't have very much of an idea, but i think if the magnetized rocks started out with a perfect orientation of magnetic north and south then as the continents moved (obviously moving the rocks with them) scientist could see how much the rocks were off the orientation. i know scientist use carbon 14 dating to find out how old things are so scientist are able to the age of the rocks and how much they moved in that time.
this is just a guess but i hope it helps
what class is this for anyway?
2006-12-19 21:53:59 · answer #2 · answered by jake 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe this can help;
World of Earth Science | Plate Tectonics
... been part of larger single continent ruptured by the creation and intervention ... processes—the magnetic orientation...
science.enotes.com/earth-science/plate...
Our Changing Continent
... in Japan recognized that rocks generally belong to two groups ... in a recording of the Earth's magnetic orientation or...
platetectonics.pwnet.org/story_tectoni...
paleomagnetism: Definition and Much More...
... history of a plate or continent with respect to the spin axis, ... in the magnetic orientation of certain minerals...
www.answers.com/topic/paleomagnetism
Magnetic Reversals and Moving Continents
... airplanes, mapping the weak magnetism of rocks to help locate oil deposits. ... to that plate and also moves...
istp.gsfc.nasa.gov/earthmag/reversal.h...
2006-12-19 21:56:52 · answer #3 · answered by Byzantino 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that thy leave lines in the sand because thy move and or shift as a result of having magnetic orientation, this is just a guess though! P.S. You can type in "magnetic orientation" in the area of yahoo answers that says "search for a question" it is found just below were it says ASK. ANSWER. DISCOVER.
2006-12-19 21:54:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The mid Atlantic ridge. As the magnetic direction of rocks is measured from the center outwards, it has been found that they reverse. The reversals are then coordinated with the age of the rocks.
2006-12-20 01:57:59 · answer #5 · answered by smartprimate 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my guess would be that the north side of the rock would have greater magnetization? Since compasses point north? Sorry, best guess.
2006-12-19 21:47:35 · answer #6 · answered by a heart so big 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to the nearest toy store & give her an etchesketch. If she still doesn't get it, buy her a magnifying glass so she can burn holes in things with the sun. I know...this is a senseless answer. Ignore it after you laugh :o) !!!
2006-12-19 22:57:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋