Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

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What did the studies conducted by Vine, Matthews, and Morley in 1963 suggest about new crust?

It is older than surrounding crust
It aligns with Earth's geomagnetic field
It has no magnetic properties
It forms exclusively at subduction zones

The correct answer is: It aligns with Earth's geomagnetic field

The studies conducted by Vine, Matthews, and Morley in 1963 introduced the idea of seafloor spreading and provided significant evidence for the theory of plate tectonics. Their research demonstrated that new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and exhibits a distinctive pattern of magnetic striping. This striping is a record of the Earth's geomagnetic field as it has reversed over time. The orientation of the magnetic minerals within the new crust aligns with the direction of the Earth's geomagnetic field at the time of their formation. Therefore, the correct answer highlights that new crust aligns with the Earth's geomagnetic field, supporting the concept that oceanic crust is constantly being created and also provides a method for dating geological features based on the pattern of magnetic reversals. In contrast, the other options do not align with the established geological understanding: new crust is not older than surrounding crust; it definitely has magnetic properties due to the alignment of minerals; and it does not exclusively form at subduction zones, which are areas where old crust is typically recycled back into the mantle.