What does the study of paleomagnetism help scientists understand?

The study of paleomagnetism is crucial for understanding the movement of continents over time because it involves analyzing the magnetic fields preserved in rocks, particularly those formed from lava. As these rocks cool, the iron minerals within them align with the Earth's magnetic field at that time. When studying ancient rocks, researchers can determine the historical orientation and position of the continents, revealing how they have shifted throughout geologic history. This provides key evidence for the theory of plate tectonics, which explains how continental plates move and interact with one another.

By examining the record of Earth's magnetic reversals and the alignment of magnetic minerals, scientists can reconstruct past continental positions and better grasp the dynamics of Earth's lithosphere. This information not only sheds light on the movement of continents but also helps in understanding the formation of mountain ranges, the opening and closing of ocean basins, and the history of Earth's climate changes related to continental drift.