paleomagnetic

/ˌpeɪlioʊmæɡˈnɛtɪk/
adjective
  1. Relating to the magnetic properties of ancient rocks, used to study the history of Earth's magnetic field.
    • Paleomagnetic studies show that Earth's magnetic poles have reversed many times.
    • Paleomagnetic data helped scientists confirm that the continents have moved over time.
    • The research team collected paleomagnetic samples from layers of volcanic rock.