Magnetostratigraphy is a branch of stratigraphy that uses the magnetic properties of rocks to determine their age and the timing of geological events. This method relies on the fact that the Earth's magnetic field has periodically reversed throughout history, causing rocks to retain a record of these magnetic changes. By analyzing the magnetism of rock samples, researchers can establish a chronological sequence of events, such as the timing of mountain building or the formation of sedimentary layers. Magnetostratigraphy is particularly useful for dating sedimentary rocks and has been instrumental in understanding the geologic time scale and past environmental changes.