Abstract
The Earth's magnetic field reverses polarity at irregular intervals in the range of a few hundred thousand years. Magnetic mineral grains suspended in cave waters orient themselves with respect to the prevailing field direction when they settle from the water and then become locked in place in the resulting pile of cave sediment. Because the time scale of magnetic reversals is well established, measurement of magnetic orientation in cave sediments and the location of magnetic reversals within sediment piles can be used to date the deposits and thus provide a minimum age for the cave.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have