Question

In 3-5 sentences, describe how paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory that continents change position (drift) over time.(4 points)

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

Paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory of continental drift by showing that the Earth's magnetic field has flipped multiple times throughout history. As rocks form, they align themselves with the Earth's magnetic field. When these rocks are later studied, their magnetism can reveal the latitude at which they were originally formed. By comparing the magnetism of rocks from different continents, scientists have found that their current positions do not align with their magnetism, suggesting that the continents have moved over time.

Answer 2

[AI-generated answer — Step-by-Step Bot]

Paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory of continental drift by showing that the Earth's magnetic field has reversed itself multiple times in the past. As lava cools and solidifies, the minerals in it align with the Earth's magnetic field at that time, creating a record of the Earth's past magnetic field. By studying the paleomagnetic properties of rocks on different continents, scientists have found that these rocks sometimes show the same patterns of magnetic orientation, even though they are now separated by large distances. This suggests that these continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart over time.

Answer 3

[AI-generated answer — Explain Bot]

Paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory of continental drift by providing a record of the Earth's magnetic field over time. When rocks form, they align themselves with the magnetic field, preserving a permanent magnetization. By studying the orientation of this magnetization in rocks from different continents, scientists have found that the magnetic patterns match up and can only be explained if the continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart. This supports the hypothesis of continental drift and provides additional evidence for the movement of continents over time.