Basic Geology: Magnetic Stripes and their relationship from ridge crests.

[balletgirl]

Homework Statement

(Picture attached)

How does the process of sea-floor spreading produce these orientations and relationships [between the ages of magnetic stripes and the distance from the ridge crests, as well as the parallel direction of the magnetic stripes with those of the ridge axes]?

Why are some magnetic stripes wider than others?

Homework Equations

I don't think I need any.

The Attempt at a Solution

Don't need answers, just help!

1. I'm guessing that the older magnetic stripes are furthest away from the ridge axes because sea-floor spreading is pushing them away. I don't know why the magnetic lines are parallel to the ridge axes though.

2. I have no idea why some stripes are wider than others, does it have to do with sea-floors' surface features?

 

[Borek]

1. I'm guessing that the older magnetic stripes are furthest away from the ridge axes because sea-floor spreading is pushing them away. I don't know why the magnetic lines are parallel to the ridge axes though.

So far so good. Think where and how the stripes are created and how they move.

2. I have no idea why some stripes are wider than others, does it have to do with sea-floors' surface features?

It has nothing to do with the sea floor. Again, why and how are they created?

 

[balletgirl]

Does the width of the stripes have to do with the time period between flipping polarity?

 

[Borek]

Exactly.

 

[balletgirl]

Okay great! So the negative (lighter) stripes are reversed polarity... and the positive (darker) stripes are normal polarity?

 

[Borek]

Whatever they are called/marked. But in general yes, that's what it is about.

It was discussed in the last few weeks: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=525126

 

[balletgirl]

Okay thank you so much!