ConcepTest: Magnetic Inclination in Lava
This material was originally created for
Starting Point:Introductory Geology and is replicated here as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service.
Initial Publication Date: May 8, 2006
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.
If you would like to help acquire more Before and After statistics for this example, please contact the authors (see link at top of page).
References and Notes:
The use of ConcepTests and Peer Instruction is discussed in detail on the ConcepTest page.
McConnell, D.A., Steer, D.N. and Owens, K.A., 2003, Assessment and Active Learning Strategies for Introductory Geology Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, 51(2), 205-216.
McConnell, D.A., Steer et al., 2006, Using Conceptests to Assess and Improve Student Conceptual Understanding in Introductory Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, (54(1), 61-68.