Magnetic Field and Tectonics?

Question

I was wondering if someone could explain the effect of Earth's magnetic field on its tectonic processes. I know that magnetic reversal data is used to prove plate tectonics. But does the magnetic field influence plate tectonics on Earth?

Answer 1

I'm not an expert on this, but I think it's the other way around: The tectonic plates are part of a geological process whereby the molten core of the earth rotates in currents, similar to ocean currents, and also generates the earth's magnetic field. If the flow of those currents changes, then the magnetic field they generate will also change. A reversal of the earths field would imply a literally global change in the speed and direction of these molten-iron currents. These changes, though, occur over geologic time periods of millions of years. The current earth magnetic field is relatively weaker than it has been in the past

Answer 2

There is no connection between the Earth's magnetic field and the Earth's tectonic activity. The magnetic field is a force produced in the iron-nickel core and the tectonic activity is due to mantle convection from heat produced from radioactive decay of uranium, thorium and potassium.

Answer 3

No; the earth's magnetic field is not nearly strong enough to have any effect on plate tectonics. Previous responder is basically correct.

Answer 4

There is. The only reason we have a magnetic field around our planet is due to magma making it to the surface. Because it changes over time we can see that the tectonics move causing the magnetic field to be altered

Answer 5

No. Or if it does, it never came up in my graduate tectonics course.

Plate tectonics is driven by convection in the mantle, which, by and large, is a heat driven process.