Chapter 27, Problem 6RQ

To determine

The role of paleomagnetism in supporting the hypothesis of continental drift.

Answer to Problem 6RQ

The paleomagnetism is used to study about the magnetism from the geological past. The first evidence of drifting of continents was discovered through paleomagnetism.

Explanation of Solution

The study of the magnetism from the geological past is known as the paleomagnetism. It was discovered that the pole had wandered throughout the world when a plot of the position of the magnetic north pole through time was plotted. This can happen only in two situations, either the continent has drifted, or the pole has moved through time.

The possibility of migration of pole was rejected as the apparent path of pole migration varied from continent to continent. So it is established that the position of the north pole is changed over time due to the continental drift. This first evidence was discovered by the paleomagnetism.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the paleomagnetism is used to study about the magnetism from the geological past. The first evidence of drifting of continents was discovered through paleomagnetism.