📖 what
What is a geomagnetic reversal?
GeologyPaleomagnetism
Quick Answer
A geomagnetic reversal is when Earth's magnetic north and south poles switch places. Reversals happen irregularly over geologic time.
The Full Story
Earth’s magnetic field is generated by motion in the liquid outer core, and that field has reversed many times in the planet’s history. The last full reversal, called the Brunhes-Matuyama reversal, happened about 780,000 years ago. Magnetic minerals in volcanic rocks and seafloor basalts record these changes, giving scientists a timeline of plate motion and ocean-floor age. Reversals do not happen on a fixed schedule.
Key Facts
1.last full reversal about 780,000 years ago
2.recorded in volcanic and seafloor rocks
3.used to date ocean crust
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Earth’s magnetic poles have flipped before—many times"