paleomagnetism

American  

[pey-lee-oh-mag-ni-tiz-uhm, pal-ee-] / ˌpeɪ li oʊˈmæg nɪˌtɪz əm, ˌpæl i- /

noun

1. Geology. magnetic polarization acquired by the minerals in a rock at the time the rock was deposited or solidified.

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paleomagnetism Scientific  

/ pā′lē-ō-măg′nĭ-tĭz′əm /

1. The fixed orientation of a rock's magnetic minerals as originally aligned at the time of the rock's formation. Paleomagnetism is usually the result of thermoremanent magnetization (magnetization that occurs in igneous rocks as they cool). Examination of the paleomagnetism of the Earth's ocean floors revolutionized the field of geology by providing evidence for the existence and movement of tectonic plates.

2. See Note at magnetic reversal

3. The scientific study of such magnetic remanence.

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Other Word Forms

• paleomagnetic adjective

Etymology

Origin of paleomagnetism

First recorded in 1850–55; paleo- + magnetism

Example Sentences

"This study proves that we can do extraterrestrial paleomagnetism with mission-returned samples," Tikoo said.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2023

"I don't think anybody doubts the ability to do Earth paleomagnetism and I'm happy that we can do it for space, too."

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2023

Although it has only migrated to a few labs so far, the QDM could become the go-to tool for resolving controversial claims of paleomagnetism, says Claire Nichols, a geologist at MIT.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 22, 2020

As mentioned in the section on paleomagnetism and the development of plate tectonic theory, scientists noticed mid-ocean ridges contained unique magnetic anomalies that show up as symmetrical striping on both sides of the ridge.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

If I wanted to persuade you of continental drift, for example, I would point you to the classic papers on paleomagnetism and we could then go and make our measurements in the field.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton