Scientific method
Measurement of magnetic variations across the sea floor. Because ocean-floor basalt records the polarity of Earth’s field as it cools, these surveys turned the sea floor into a record of its own formation.
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Because ocean-floor magnetic striping records reversals of Earth’s magnetic field, and the approximate duration of each reversal is known, average rates of plate movement over a given time span can be calculated from the stripes.
Evidence support: Supported by the cited evidence one source
Evidence: Kious 1996 Primary authority
Ocean-floor basalt contains the strongly magnetic mineral magnetite, which gives it measurable magnetic properties; magnetometers towed over the sea floor therefore record variations that can be read as a history of the crust beneath.
Evidence support: Supported by the cited evidence one source
Evidence: Kious 1996 Primary authority
Record last updated 2026-09-06. Corrections follow the published corrections policy; superseded claims are retained, never silently edited.