Question

why do rocks on the ocean floor form a pattern of magnetized stripes? the rocks contain iron that points in the direction the rocks move away from the ridge. the rocks are composed of different materials depending on when they formed. the rocks change shapes as a result of the pushing and pulling of seafloor spreading. the rocks contain iron that points in different directions depending on earth’s polarity.

Explanation:

The iron - rich minerals in ocean - floor rocks align with Earth's magnetic field at the time of their formation. Earth's magnetic polarity has reversed many times over geological history. As new ocean - floor rocks form at mid - ocean ridges and move away from the ridge, the iron in them records the direction of Earth's magnetic field at that time, creating a pattern of magnetized stripes.

Answer:

The rocks contain iron that points in different directions depending on Earth’s polarity.