Magnetometers revealed that the basalt rocks along the mid-ocean ridges are aligned in alternating, symmetrical patters. Which factors are responsible for this orientation?

Age of the rock

Magnetic polarity of the rock

Shape of the rock

Depth of the rock

Variations in water color

The answer is Magnetic polarity of the rock. This is especially true to rocks with iron minerals. Iron is strongly ferromagnetic. The atoms are easily aligned in the presence of a magnetic field. Therefore, as they flow out as lava on the earth's surface, they align themselves with the earth's magnetic field. Changes in magnetic field of the earth also affect the orientation of these mineral in these rocks. These rocks are therefore used to determine the polarity of the earth at a particular time.