02.4-atwater_mag_reversal_mid_ocean_ridge

animation showing the mid ocean ridges. As new oceanic plate is made at the ridge, it cools and preserves the current magnetic field at the time of cooling. When the poles reverse, the magnetic polarity flip is preserved in the oceanic plate record.

Spreading along several mid-ocean ridges, showing magnetic striping symmetry. By Tanya Atwater.

Source: Tanya Atwater http://emvc.geol.ucsb.edu/2_infopgs/IP1GTect/fSFSpreadingSeries.html
This animation clip and other geo-educational items are available for viewing and/or download free of charge for your personal and/or educational uses only. If you wish to this item for the purposes of being sold in some form, contact Tanya Atwater and we can discuss licensing agreements and costs. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email Tanya at atwater@geol.ucsb.edu.