Paleomagnetism

Paleomagnetism involves measurements of remnant magnetization in rock samples that can be interpreted to infer the latitude and orientation of the rocks at the time of their origin or at other times of major geological events in their history. Paleomagnetism plays a key role in determining the past positions of continents and oceans, and the related plate motions. 

 Memorial University has maintained a paleomagnetics lab since the early days of Plate Tectonics theory development.  Listen to Dr. Joe Hodych describe the workings of a paleomagnetics lab.