Magnetostratigraphy is a geological dating technique that uses the magnetic properties of rock layers to determine their age and correlate them with other geological formations. It relies on the Earth's magnetic field, which has reversed its polarity many times throughout history. By studying the magnetic signatures in sedimentary and volcanic rocks, scientists can create a timeline of geological events.
This method is particularly useful for dating sedimentary sequences and understanding the history of Earth's magnetic field. It helps researchers identify specific time intervals, known as magnetozones, which correspond to periods of normal and reversed magnetic polarity, aiding in the reconstruction of Earth's geological history.