Paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory of continental drift by providing a record of the Earth's magnetic field preserved in rocks. When rocks are formed, their magnetic minerals align with the Earth's magnetic field at that time. Over time, as the continents move, the rocks preserve the direction and location of the magnetic pole. By comparing the magnetic orientation of rocks from different continents, scientists can determine their past positions and movements, providing evidence for continental drift. This evidence was one of the key factors leading to the development of the theory of plate tectonics.
Paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory of continental drift by highlighting the movement of Earth's magnetic poles through time. When rocks form, they record the magnetic field present at that time in their mineral content. Scientists observe this recorded magnetic field in ancient rocks and find that it aligns with the positions of Earth's current magnetic poles, indicating that the continents have moved. By studying the orientation of these magnetic signatures in rocks from different continents, scientists can determine how continents have shifted over time, providing key evidence for continental drift.
Paleomagnetic evidence, obtained from studies of Earth's past magnetic fields preserved in rocks, provides support for the theory of continental drift. The Earth's magnetic field has reversed many times in the past, and these reversals are recorded in rocks. By examining the direction and intensity of magnetization in rocks of different ages and locations, scientists can determine the past positions of continents. Paleomagnetic data from rocks of different continents align when reconstructed, providing evidence that the continents have indeed moved and undergone drift over time.
