Function Group Seafloor Exploration

Paleomagnetic lab

Paleomagnetics is a valuable tool in the geosciences that deals with the Earth's magnetic field in the past and the study of the magnetic properties of rocks and sediments. It is based on the ability of ferromagnetic minerals, such as magnetite, to record the direction and intensity of the Earth's magnetic field at the time of their formation. This property enables us to reconstruct the geological history and determine the age of rocks and sediments.

Overall, paleomagnetics contributes significantly to the understanding of plate tectonics, the Earth's crust and geological processes. It is an indispensable tool for deciphering the dynamic history of our planet and understanding the changes in the Earth's magnetic field.

Contact:

Dr. Thomas Frederichs

Phone:	+49 421 218-65326
Fax:	+49 421 218-65338
Email:	[Bitte aktivieren Sie Javascript]
Room:	GEO 1, 4040

To determine the age, we use the fact that the Earth's magnetic field has reversed several times over the course of Earth's history, known as geomagnetic reversals. These reversals are well documented over geologic time and can be seen in the magnetic signatures of rocks. When we take samples from different geological layers

we analyze the remanent magnetic magnetization (NRM) of these samples. To do this, we use a highly sensitive magnetometer (Superconducting Rock Magnetometer 2G Enterprises 755 HR) to measure the magnetic properties and determine the magnetic orientation. The magnetic data is analyzed in several steps. First, the NRM is decomposed into different components to identify the characteristic

remanent magnetization (ChRM). The measured magnetic patterns are then compared with the geomagnetic time model (geomagnetic polarity time scale) to determine the age. This method is particularly useful in combination with other dating techniques, such as radiometric dating, because it helps us to determine the chronostratigraphic position of rocks more precise.

To validate the paleomagnetic results, we also carry out rock magnetic investigations to characterize the rock samples in terms of grain size, mineralogy and mineral concentration. In the case of sediments, these properties are largely determined by the

input and environmental conditions during or after deposition (keyword: (early) diagenesis). The magnetic properties of sediments can therefore be used to infer geological and/or climatic changes in the past. The measurements are performed at room temperature as well as temperature dependent and

in magnetic fields of different strengths. We mainly use a Magnetic Property Measurement System MPMS XL-7 for the investigation of single samples as well as different susceptometer benches (MSCLS, ULS) for (quasi) continuous measurements of longer sediment sequences.

Superconducting Rock Magnetometer 2G Enterprises 755 HR

The remanent magnetization of rock samples determined with this magnetometer is the basis for many of our scientific ...

Magnetic Properties Measurement System Quantum Design MPMS-XL7

Magnetic Properties Measurement System MPMS-XL7

The MPMS-XL7 allows the temperature-dependent measurement of magnetic properties of samples in magnetic fields of ±7 Tesla ...

Multi-Sensor Core Logging System (MSCLS)

The MSCLS was developed at the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM) and is especially suited for the measurement and ...

Universal Logging System (ULS)

The ULS was developed at MARUM and is especially suited for the measurement and analysis of sediment samples and drilling cores, which ...