| Paleomagnetic data constrain a number of geophysical and geological models. For meaningful interpretations of those data, the acquisition mechanism of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) in rocks must be understood in detail, in particular with respect to the timing of NRM acquisition and the stability of the NRM on geological time scales. Aim: Understanding the influence of early changes (diagenesis) and late changes (remagnetisation) to the NRM in sediments to enable recognition of the geomagnetic field component from the total paleomagnetic signal. Methods: Study of the magnetic properties of natural and synthetic magnetic minerals as a function varying applied field and temperature. Integration of mineral-magnetic techniques with other mineralogical and geochemical methods. Present topics: Current research is embedded in a larger program entitled `The natural remanent magnetization (NRM) in sedimentary rocks as a record of the Earth?s magnetic field? funded by NWO/ALW (starting date: January 1997). |
