Navigating the past with ancient stone compass needles

PHYSorg
Apr 16, 2026, 3:20 pm205 ptsTrendingTop
Magnetic rocks with iron oxide concentrations act as natural chroniclers of Earth's past continental movements. Using small samples of rocks, scientists can isolate magnetic grains that were frozen in orientation as the rock solidified. The magnetization of these grains acts as a miniature compass needle,…

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Navigating the past with ancient stone compass needles

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