The magnetic stripes of the seafloor are considered evidence of seafloor spreading and:
A) subduction in the rift valleys.
B) spreading centers in the trenches.
C) changes in the Earth's axis of rotation.
D) periodic reversals in the polarity of Earth's magnetic field.
E) periodic collapses of Earth's gravitational field.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnetic stripes of the seafloor are caused by periodic reversals in the polarity of Earth's magnetic field. As the seafloor spreads apart at spreading centers along mid-ocean ridges, lava that erupts onto the seafloor records the polarity of the Earth's magnetic field at the time of its solidification. This produces a series of magnetic stripes that are symmetrically arranged around the mid-ocean ridge axis. By studying the orientation of these magnetic stripes, scientists can infer the direction and rate of seafloor spreading, and the timeline of magnetic field reversals.

The Magnetic Stripes of the Seafloor Are Considered Evidence of Seafloor