Explain how Paleomagnetism can be used as evidence for Continental Drift?

When hot magma rises towards the surface and cools, iron particles, inside the cooling rock, align themselves with the earth's polarity at the time of cooling. Due to magnetic reversals, that change the orientation of North to South, the magnetism of these iron minerals can change over thousands of years producing 'magnetic stripes.' This provides evidence for continental drift as layers of rock found had different levels of magnetism then the source rock they came from. These stripes appear parallel to the Mid Atlantic Ridge and become older as you move away from the ridge. This provides evidence for sea floor spreading as the different coloured bands indicate different rates of sea floor spreading and therefore, specific magnetic reversals. The spreading also shows conflicting ages moving away from the ridge. Evidence for sea floor spreading directly links to continental drift as this is the main mechanism for the migration of continents over geological time.

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Answered by Ruby D. Geology tutor

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