Earth's magnetic field ____.
A)changes polarity due to motions in Earth's mantle, while plate motion remains relatively stable
B)changes polarity due to motions in Earth's core, while plate motion remains relatively stable
C)changes polarity due to motions in Earth's crust, while plate motion remains relatively stable
D)remains stable, while plate motion oscillates back and forth
E)remains stable, while magma motion oscillates back and forth

Question

Earth's magnetic field ____. ​
A)changes polarity due to motions in Earth's mantle, while plate motion remains relatively stable
B)changes polarity due to motions in Earth's core, while plate motion remains relatively stable
C)changes polarity due to motions in Earth's crust, while plate motion remains relatively stable
D)remains stable, while plate motion oscillates back and forth
E)remains stable, while magma motion oscillates back and forth

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Earth's magnetic field changes polarity due to the motion of molten iron and nickel in its outer core, not the mantle or crust. Plate tectonics, involving the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, is a separate process that remains relatively stable in comparison to the timescale of magnetic reversals.

Earth's Magnetic Field ____. ​

Earth's Magnetic Field ____.