noun
- the study of the magnetic properties of rocks and minerals to determine the Earth's past magnetic field and the movement of continents
Usage: scientific field; also spelled palaeomagnetism in British English
Examples
- Paleomagnetism has provided strong evidence for continental drift and plate tectonics.
- Scientists use paleomagnetism to determine the age and origin of volcanic rocks.
- The study of paleomagnetism reveals how the Earth's magnetic poles have reversed many times throughout history.
- Paleomagnetic data helped researchers map the movement of continents over millions of years.
- By analyzing paleomagnetism in ocean floor sediments, geologists can reconstruct ancient ocean currents.