describe how paleomagnetic evidence supports the theory that continents change position (drift) over time.

Palaeomagnetism deals with the magnetism in rocks which shows the time of formation of rocks.

Explanation:

Palaeomagnetism is one of the evidences of Plate Tectonics theory which explains moving of the continents from Pre Cambrian era (300 million years ago). Magnetic dip, Magnetic declination and magnetic inclination are tools to reveal the concept of Palaeomagnetism. Every vertical layer of rocks reveals the own magnetic orientation of the specific location when it adjusts to the magnetic declination. If rocks get adjusted to the exact value, it showed different orientation then the rocks must be moved from one place to another place.

At constructive margins such the mid oceanic ridge where new magma are brought to the surface, evidences abounds to support the theory of continental drift through paleomaganetism.

Continental drift is simply the moving of the land masses on earth from their original positions.

There are certain magnetic minerals in rocks that are able to record the prevailing magnetic conditions in a particular terrane. In a hot magma, at the oceanic ridge for example, these minerals align to the magnetic direction at work during the period when they are cooling. As new materials upwells, the cool layer shifts away from the margin each bearing the paleomagnetic record.

Therefore, through a series of reversals and normality in the magnetic direction, one can deduce that the continents actually moves.