Supercontinent Cycles

Paleomagnetism

Plate Movement and the Fossil Record

Earths magnetism is a key part of the global climate system. It is this magnetism that keeps the earth from being bombarded by solar wind. This field however is not constant. It undergoes constant changes, varying in strength, sometimes even swapping poles. Records of earths magnetism are locked into igneous rocks all over the earth, giving geologists a record of which direction the earth was pointing when it was formed. The magnetic information built into oceanic rocks can help geologists to develop models of paleosupercontinents and use that information to help create models of what earths climate might have been, as well as predict what may happen in the future.As scientists continute to explore earths history, magnetic signatures are a key piece of information._____________________________ Illustration of solar wind deflection by magnetosphere (NASA)

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(http://www.biosbcc.net/ocean/marinesci/04benthon/AAimg/126reflection.jpg)

___All Content © 2007___ Jack Ludwig, Travis Haby, _____Nate Flint____ Colorado College