paleomagnetism

[ pey-lee-oh-mag-ni-tiz-uhmor, especially British, pal-ee- ]

noun

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

paleomagnetism

/ 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.

Other Words From

• pa·le·o·mag·net·ic [pey-lee-oh-mag-, net, -ik, pal-ee-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paleomagnetism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; paleo- + magnetism