Asked by Monserrat Pacheco on Jun 13, 2024
Verified
Magnetic patterns develop on the seafloor as basaltic lava erupts and cools, and:
A) iron-rich minerals align with Earth's magnetic field
B) iron-rich minerals align parallel to the oceanic rift
C) silicic minerals align with Earth's magnetic field
Basaltic Lava
A type of lava originating from mafic rock, characterized by low viscosity and a high content of magnesium and iron, making it very fluid.
Iron-Rich Minerals
Minerals that contain a significant amount of iron, such as hematite, magnetite, and siderite, crucial for various geological and industrial processes.
- Identify the significance of magnetic fields in comprehending Earth's geological formations, incorporating the concepts of magnetic reversals and seafloor spreading.
Verified Answer
AG
Ashley GrantJun 15, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
Iron-rich minerals in the basaltic lava become magnetized as they cool, aligning with the Earth's magnetic field at the time of their solidification. This process creates the magnetic patterns observed on the seafloor.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the significance of magnetic fields in comprehending Earth's geological formations, incorporating the concepts of magnetic reversals and seafloor spreading.