Chapter 27, Problem 5RQ

To determine

The way to helped the revive idea of the apparent polar wandering that continents move over geologic time.

Answer to Problem 5RQ

The change in the position of the north pole over a time is the result of a continental drift.

Explanation of Solution

When north and the south pole are neared to the geographic poles, then it is observed that Earth behaves like a giant magnet. Certain minerals on Earth, just like magnetite, tend to align themselves in the same direction as the magnetic field. As the formation of the rocks takes place, these minerals tend to freeze themselves to preserve the magnetic record of that time.

In the era of 1950, a plot position of the magnetic north pole through time revealed that the pole is wandered throughout the world. This situation can be occurred only either the continents have drifted, or the pole has moved through time. The possibility of migration of pole was rejected as apparent path of pole migration varied from continent to continent.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the change in the position of the north pole over a time is the result of a continental drift.