Marine magnetic anomalies in oceanic crust result from seafloor spreading in conjunction with
A) global warming.
B) magnetic storms on the surface of the Sun.
C) magnetic polarity reversals.
D) apparent wander of the magnetic poles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Marine magnetic anomalies in oceanic crust result from magnetic polarity reversals. As magma rises and solidifies to create new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges, it records the magnetic polarity of Earth's magnetic field at that time. During a magnetic reversal, the polarity of Earth's magnetic field switches, resulting in stripes of rock with alternating magnetic polarities on either side of the mid-ocean ridge. These stripes can be detected and mapped using magnetometers, providing valuable information about the history of Earth's magnetic field and the process of seafloor spreading.

Marine Magnetic Anomalies in Oceanic Crust Result from Seafloor Spreading