ConcepTest: Magnetic Inclination in Lava
Question:
Two lava flows formed at the same location on a plate, 90 million years apart. The plate migrated 500 km northward in the time between the formation of the first and second lava flows. Scientists sampled rocks from both lava flows and measured the magnetic inclination of each sample. (Assume that the orientation of Earth's magnetic field was the same when each lava flow was formed.) Which statement is TRUE?
a. Magnetic inclination decreased from the first to the second lava flow.
b. Magnetic inclination increased from the first to the second lava flow.
a. Magnetic inclination decreased from the first to the second lava flow.
b. Magnetic inclination increased from the first to the second lava flow.
Student Responses:
No data yet. The correct response is B.
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