Question

Volcanic and other such activity at the mid-Atlantic ridge extrudes material to fill the gap between separating tectonic plates associated with continental drift. The magnetization of rocks is found to reverse in a coordinated manner with distance from the ridge. What does this imply about the Earth’s magnetic field and how could the knowledge of the spreading rate be used to give its historical record?

Answer 1

The pattern of magnetic reversals on the ocean floor reveals changes in Earth's magnetic field and supports the theory of plate tectonics. By studying the spreading rate of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, scientists can determine the historical record of these magnetic reversals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The observation that the magnetization of rocks reverses with distance from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge implies that Earth's magnetic field has reversed multiple times throughout geological history. This phenomenon of magnetic reversals is evidence for the theory of plate tectonics and helps geologists understand the process of continental drift. As new material emerges at the mid-ocean ridges, it records the current direction of Earth's magnetic field, creating a pattern of magnetic stripes on the ocean floor. By measuring these stripes and determining the spreading rate of the ocean floor, scientists can create a timeline of Earth's magnetic field reversals and gain insight into the dynamics of our planet's interior and plate movements over millions of years.

Answer 2

Explained

Step-by-step explanation:

The magnetization of rocks is found to reverse in a coordinated manner with distance from the ridge.The fact that it implies about the Earth's magnetic field is that the Earth's magnetic Field is able to reverse with time. And if we know the rate of time for spreading we can find the rate of reversal.