paleomagnetism
Geology. magnetic polarization acquired by the minerals in a rock at the time the rock was deposited or solidified.
Origin of paleomagnetism
1Other words from paleomagnetism
- pa·le·o·mag·net·ic [pey-lee-oh-mag-net-ik or, especially British, pal-ee-], /ˌpeɪ li oʊ mægˈnɛt ɪk or, especially British, ˌpæl i-/, adjective
- Compare remanent magnetism.
Words Nearby paleomagnetism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
Scientific definitions for paleomagnetism
[ pā′lē-ō-măg′nĭ-tĭz′əm ]
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. See Note at magnetic reversal.
The scientific study of such magnetic remanence.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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