ASBOG Practice Exam

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What is paleomagnetism used for in geologic dating?

To examine fossil distributions
To analyze sediment layers
To utilize a known fluctuation of the Earth’s magnetic field over time
To measure tectonic movements

The correct answer is: To utilize a known fluctuation of the Earth’s magnetic field over time

Paleomagnetism is utilized in geologic dating by analyzing the Earth's magnetic field changes over geological time. Throughout history, the Earth's magnetic field has experienced reversals, where the magnetic North and South poles switch places. By studying the orientation of magnetic minerals in rocks and sediments, geologists can determine the age of those formations based on when the minerals acquired their magnetism relative to the known timeline of geomagnetic reversals. This method is particularly useful for dating volcanic rocks and understanding the movement of tectonic plates, as well as linking geological events to specific time periods. While examining fossil distributions, analyzing sediment layers, and measuring tectonic movements are important aspects of geology, they do not specifically harness the mechanism of paleomagnetism, which focuses on the record of Earth's magnetic history to inform us about geologic timelines.