Question

7 multiple choice 1 point

the magnetic pattern of ocean floor rocks on one side of an ocean ridge -

indicates the opposite polarity of the other side.
has no relationship to the other side; both sides are completely different.
is a mirror image of that on the other side.
is younger than on the other side.

Explanation:

Analyze the process of seafloor spreading

During Seafloor Spreading, new oceanic crust is continuously formed at a Mid-Ocean Ridge as magma rises and cools. As the magma solidifies, iron-bearing minerals align themselves with Earth's magnetic field, recording its polarity at that time.

Examine the symmetry of magnetic stripes

As new crust forms, older crust is pushed symmetrically away from both sides of the ridge. This continuous process creates a symmetrical, matching pattern of magnetic reversals on either side of the ridge.

Evaluate the given options

• "indicates the opposite polarity of the other side": Incorrect, because corresponding stripes on both sides have the same polarity.
• "has no relationship to the other side; both sides are completely different": Incorrect, because the process is highly symmetrical.
• "is a mirror image of that on the other side": Correct, because the identical sequence of normal and reversed polarity stripes spreads out symmetrically from the central ridge axis.
• "is younger than on the other side": Incorrect, because rocks at equal distances from the ridge on both sides are of the same age.

Using the Paleomagnetism and Seafloor Spreading concepts, we conclude that the magnetic pattern on one side is a mirror image of the other.

Answer:

• indicates the opposite polarity of the other side.
• has no relationship to the other side; both sides are completely different.
• is a mirror image of that on the other side. (Correct answer)
• is younger than on the other side.