Plot the population.txt (the same data used in the previous assignment) in a GUI based program. Type the full file path of ‘population.txt’ in the ‘Text’ Edit Field and hit the ENTER key, the program will open the data and plot the population data in an Axes (see example below). The plot should log scale in y-axis, plot the line in blue color and use linewidth of 2. Your program should look like the example below. Q5 Data Name: g:\population.txt Population 1010 108 106 World Population -10000 -8000 -6000 -4000 -2000 0 2000 4000 Year X
The correct answer is C. movement of ocean crust.
Magnetic stripes on the seafloor are a direct result of the movement of oceanic crust and the process of seafloor spreading. This phenomenon provides critical evidence for plate tectonics and the dynamic nature of Earth’s lithosphere.
At mid-ocean ridges, magma from the mantle rises and solidifies, forming new oceanic crust. As this crust cools, the iron-rich minerals within it align according to Earth’s prevailing magnetic field. Because Earth’s magnetic field has reversed multiple times throughout geological history, the newly formed crust records these changes. Over time, as seafloor spreading continues, older crust is pushed away from the ridge, creating parallel bands of rock with alternating magnetic orientations.
These bands form symmetrical patterns on either side of the mid-ocean ridges, demonstrating how new crust is continuously generated and how Earth’s magnetic field fluctuates. Scientists discovered that these alternating stripes corresponded to past magnetic reversals, confirming the theory of seafloor spreading proposed by geologist Harry Hess. The patterns serve as a “tape recording” of Earth’s geomagnetic history, stretching back millions of years.
The significance of magnetic stripes extends beyond their visual patterns. They provide insights into Earth’s dynamic processes, including mantle convection and plate movements. This evidence strongly supports the theory of plate tectonics, explaining how continents drift and how geological activity reshapes the planet.
By studying these magnetic anomalies, researchers gain a clearer understanding of Earth’s past and the mechanisms that drive its continual transformation. These discoveries revolutionized geological sciences, providing a foundation for comprehending Earth’s intricate and ever-changing structure.
