Question

Which of the following statements about the Earth's magnetic field is false?

1. its inclination varies as a function of latitude and can be used to determine the past locations of rocks
2. its polarity (direction) has reversed numerous times in Earth's history
3. some rocks are able to become magnetized by the Earth's magnetic field when they form
4. the observation of symmetric patterns of rock magnetism centered on mid-ocean ridges was important in developing the modern theory of plate tectonics
5. the Earth's magnetic field arises because of convection of rock in the Earth's crust

Answer 1

Option 5: the Earth's magnetic field arises because of convection of rock in the Earth's crust is false. The Earth's magnetic field is generated by moving material in the Earth's liquid metallic core, which sets up a circulating electric current.

Step-by-step explanation:

The false statement about the Earth's magnetic field is option 5: the Earth's magnetic field arises because of the convection of rock in the Earth's crust. The Earth's magnetic field is actually generated by moving material in the Earth's liquid metallic core, which sets up a circulating electric current. This current produces a magnetic field.

Option 1 is true, as the Earth's magnetic field inclination varies with latitude and can be used to determine the past locations of rocks. Option 2 is also true, as the Earth's magnetic field polarity (direction) has indeed reversed numerous times in Earth's history. Option 3 is true as well, as some rocks can become magnetized by the Earth's magnetic field when they form. Option 4 is true, as the observation of symmetric patterns of rock magnetism centered on mid-ocean ridges was important in developing the modern theory of plate tectonics.