Experiment 6: Paleomagnetism & Seafloor Spreading
Basalt erupted at mid-ocean ridges cools below the Curie temperature, locking in the direction of the Earth's magnetic field. As tectonic plates spread, they create symmetric bands of normal and reversed polarity crust on either side of the ridge. Reconstruct seafloor spreading history and apparent polar wander paths.
Spreading Settings
Half-Spread Rate2.5 cm/yr
Velocity of one tectonic plate away from the ridge axis.Simulation Time5.50 Ma
Age limit of oceanic crust currently displayed (Ma = Million years).Magnetic Field Dynamics
Oceanic Crust Polarity Stripes (Mid-Ocean Ridge)Width: ±300 km
Magnetic Anomaly Profile
GPTS Scale
Brunhes to Chron 3Br (0−5.5 Ma)Apparent Polar Wander Path (APWP) — Africa Continental DriftAge: 0 Ma | PaleoLat: -5.0°S
Select continental age to see Africa's latitudinal shift over geological time (relative to its current coordinates):
Geological Age0 Ma
0 Ma: Africa straddles the equator. Malawi at -11.5°S.