Paleomagnetic studies of Paleolithic site deposits in the Matzuka Cave (Northern Caucasus)

As a result of detailed paleomagnetic and magnetic studies of Paleolithic site deposits in the Matuzka Cave, a record of the Matuzka geomagnetic excursion in lithologic layer 7 has been discovered and studied. Such characteristic features as the geomagnetic field direction, position of the virtual geomagnetic pole, geomagnetic field intensity (roughly estimated) after and during the excursion, and climatic conditions coeval with its existence make the Matuzka excursion similar to the ～130-ka Blake excursion. This dates at ～130 ka the formation of layer 7 with ancient archaeological findings.     

The Blake magnetic polarity episode in cores from the Mediterranean Sea

Palaeomagnetic and oxygen isotope studies on samples taken from five cores in the Mediterranean area are described. Directions of the stable remanent magnetisation show the presence of an anomalous (reversed) zone during the transition between the oxygen isotope substages 5e and 5d. This position corresponds to the age of about 117 kyr B.P. and thus to the Blake polarity episode. The duration of this episode is estimated to be about 6000 years. The study of the anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility shows no indication of sedimentological disturbances in recorded sections. The Blake episode therefore represents a stratigraphic marker which may be used to link the continental and marine palaeoclimatic and sedimentary records.     

Estimate of the time interval of activity of volcanoes of the basalt formation of the lower jeseník mts. based on palaeomagnetic data

Summary Virtual geomagnetic poles, corresponding to the directions of primary remanent magnetization of the neovolcanic occurrences studied in the Lower Jeseník, form a close group which is positionally considerably removed from the present geographic pole. By comparison with some published data on the extent of the secular variation of the geomagnetic field, a conclusion was drawn that the assumption of a practically simultaneous generation of the considered volcanites (over a period of about one third of the longest secular variation cycle) is at least twice as probable as the assumption of an expressive difference in their age.     

近六千年间的磁极移动曲线

本文采用陕西、湖北、浙江、江西及北京地区的烧土标本测得十七个不同时代的地磁倾角与偏角数据,按照地球磁场的中心偶极模式推算了各相应时代的虚地磁极（Virtual Geomaffnetic Pole）的地理座标,得到了六千余年间VGP的移动曲线.对此曲线的一些特征进行的初步探讨表明,在近数千年间,磁极运动的方向无固定的趋势,运动的速度亦不均匀,而运动的轨迹迂迥曲折,其平均位置与地理极不重合.     

Palaeomagnetic studies of Lower Jurassic rocks in England and Wales

Paleomagnetic data from late Lower Jurassic sediments from Dorset, Gloucestershire and Yorkshire confirm the existence of at least one interval of reversed geomagnetic polarity in Upper Toarcian time (about 175 m.y. ago). The mean pole position calculated from these data lies at 50°N, 37°E, but the field represented by this pole is believed to have been non-axial because of its incompatibility with Mesozoic faunal, palaeoclimatic and palaeomagnetic evidence throughout western Europe.Unstable remanent magnetization found in a large number of samples of various lithologies is shown to have originated during drilling. It is tentatively identified as partial TRM acquired during dissipation of heat from the drill tip. Alternative causes such as superficial contamination and vibration do not explain the majority of the observations.     

Evidences of the Blake and Iceland Basin magnetic excursions in southeastern Iberia and chronological implications for the Padul sedimentary record

The Padul-15-05 sediment core provides an exceptional perspective of the paleoenvironmental and climate change in the Western Mediterranean region for the last ca. 200 kyr. However, even though a robust chronology mainly relying on radiometric dating is available for the last 50 ka, the chronology for the older sediments is not yet fully resolved. Ages for the bottom part of the core (>21 m) were previously inferred from amino-acid racemization dating and sediment accumulation rates. In this work, we provide a more accurate chronology for the older part (>100 kyr) of the Padul-15-05 sediment core record based on the recognition of past Earth's magnetic excursions. We identify an interval prone of reversed polarity samples close to MIS-5e/5 d transition that we correlate to the Blake geomagnetic excursion (116.5 kyr–112 kyr). In addition, we identify an interval of low inclinations and two reversed samples that we interpret as the Iceland Basin geomagnetic excursion (192.7 kyr–187.7 kyr: wide scenario of VGP <40°). Our new results, which include IRM acquisition curves that contribute to understand the magnetic mineralogy, enhances the robustness of the age model for the Padul-15-05 sedimentary sequence by adding an independent age dataset with new accurate tie-points. Our refined age control together with the available paleoenvironmental and paleoclimate multiproxy data provide insightful information to unveil the response of the western Mediterranean environments to regional environmental and climate change.     

On the onset and meridional propagation of the ionospheric F2-region response to geomagnetic storms

The meridional propagation velocities of the ionospheric F2-region response to 268 geomagnetic storms are calculated. Ionospheric vertical sounding data of 1 h time resolution from several stations located in a longitude sector approximately centred along the great circle that contains both the geomagnetic poles and the geographic poles are used.Most meridional propagation velocities from high to low latitudes are less than 600 m/s. The smaller velocities are typical of global neutral meridional wind circulation and the larger are representative of traveling atmospheric disturbances.Simultaneous disturbances at several locations are more frequent during positive phases than during negative phases. Negative phase meridional propagation velocities associated with meridional neutral winds are less frequent in the southern hemisphere when compared with corresponding velocities observed in the northern hemisphere. This may be related to the fact that the distance between the geomagnetic pole and the equator is smaller in the northern hemisphere.Most negative phase onsets are within the 06–10 LT interval. For middle geomagnetic latitudes a “forbidden time interval” between 11 and 14 LT is present. The positive phase onsets show the “dusk effect”.     

Paleomagnetic study of Middle-Upper Jurassic sediments from the Polish segment of the Pieniny Klippen Belt

Middle-Upper Jurassic carbonates exposed in 7 separate fragments of three tectonic units were sampled in the Polish segment of the Pieniny Klippen Belt in 1981, before construction of the Niedzica-Czorsztyn dam. Demagnetization experiments performed about 20 years ago and analyzed lately with modern program package revealed the presence of Middle Miocene overprints acquired in the normal and reversed geomagnetic field, and pre-folding components of natural remanence acquired during the Middle-Upper Jurassic. A paleolatitude of 36N±7° was obtained for the studied area for this time on the basis of 3 normal and 1 reversed components. Three pre-folding pole positions are situated between pole positions of the normal and reversed Stable European Middle Jurassic field. The obtained paleomagnetic results imply several prefolding (pre-Upper Miocene) and postfolding (post-Upper Miocene) episodes of rotations of the studied fragments.     

Variations of angular elements of the geomagnetic field in Europe during the last 24 centuries

The analysis of variations in angular elements of the geomagnetic field during the period since 350 B.C. to the present day according to the findings from the study of thermal magnetization of baked archaeological samples from England, France, and East Europe showed that the key feature in the behavior of the geomagnetic inclination in all three regions is a millennial variation. The trend in the behavior of the inclination of the geomagnetic field can be regarded as a manifestation of a variation with a characteristic time scale of several thousand years. Despite the general likeness of variations in inclination and declination of the ancient geomagnetic field, they also exhibit a noticeable dissimilarity. The paths of the virtual geomagnetic pole reconstructed from the variations of angular elements of the geomagnetic field in East Europe indicate that the geomagnetic polar motion is quasi-cyclic. The duration of the first cycle was about 1000 years, while the second cycle has not been completed due to the change of the motion to the opposite direction in the middle of the XVII century.     

High-frequency polarity swings during the Gauss-Matuyama reversal from Baoji loess sediment

Paleomagnetic records of the Gauss-Matuyama reversal were obtained from two loess sections at Baoji on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Stepwise thermal demagnetization shows two obvious magnetization components. A low-temperature component isolated between 100 and 200–250°C is close to the present geomagnetic field direction, and a high-temperature component isolated above 200–250°C reveals clearly normal, reversed, and transitional polarities. Magnetostratigraphic results of both sections indicated that the Gauss-Matuyama reversal consists of a high-frequency polarity fluctuation zone, but the characteristic remanent magnetization directions during the reversal are clearly inconsistent. Rock magnetic experiments demonstrated that for all the specimens with normal, reversed, and transitional polarities magnetite and hematite are the main magnetic carriers. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility indicates that the studied loess sediments have a primary sedimentary fabric. Based on virtual geomagnetic pole latitudes, the Gauss-Matuyama reversal records in the two sections are accompanied by 14 short-lived geomagnetic episodes (15 rapid polarity swings) and 12 short-lived geomagnetic episodes (13 rapid polarity swings), respectively. Our new records, together with previous ones from lacustrine, marine, and aeolian deposits, suggest that high-frequency polarity swings coexist with the Gauss-Matuyama reversal, and that the Gauss-Matuyama reversal may have taken more than 11 kyr to complete. However, we need more detailed analyses of sections across polarity swings during reversals as well as more high-resolution reversal records to understand geomagnetic behavior and inconsistent characteristic remanent magnetization directions during polarity reversals.     

Long-term variations in the flux of cosmogenic isotope 10Be over the last 10000 years: Variations in the geomagnetic field and climate

A spectral analysis of data on the flux of cosmogenic ¹⁰Be in ice core samples from the Central Greenland (project GRIP) over the last 10 thousand years have been carried out. It has been shown that the ¹⁰Be flux varies cyclically; the most significant cycle is of about 2300 years. Variations in the position of the virtual geomagnetic pole over 8000 years have been analyzed. Significant components, pointing to the cyclic variation in the position of the geomagnetic pole with a period of about 2300 years, have been revealed in a periodogram of the virtual geomagnetic pole longitude. In addition to the nearly 2300-year-long cycle, some lines are observable in the ¹⁰Be flux periodogram, which can be considered as a manifestation of the 1000-year-long cycle of the ¹⁰Be deposition rate on the ice surface. The relationship between the cyclicity of the geomagnetic pole position and the ¹⁰Be flux is discussed.     

Plio-pleistocene paleomagnetic record from the Michoacán-Guanajuato Monogenetic Volcanic Field (Western Mexico)

The paleosecular variation (PSV) and polarity transitions are two major features of the Earth’s magnetic field. Both PSV and reversal studies are limited when age of studied units is poorly constrained. This is a case of Central and western Mexico volcanics. Although many studies have been devoted to these crucial problems and more than 200 paleomagnetic directions are available for the last 5 Ma, only few sites were dated directly. This paper presents new paleomagnetic results from seventeen independent cooling units in the Michoacán-Guanajuato Volcanic Field (MGVF) in western Mexico. Twelve sites are directly dated by ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar or K-Ar methods and span from 2.78 to 0.56 Ma. The characteristic paleodirections are successfully isolated for 15 lava flows. The mean paleodirection (inclination I and declination D) obtained in this study is I = 28.8°, D = 354.9°, and Fisherian statistical parameters are k = 28, α₉₅ = 7.3°, N=15, which corresponds to the mean paleomagnetic pole position P_lat = 83.9°, P_long = 321.6°, K = 34, A₉₅ = 6.6°. The paleodirections obtained in present study compiled with those, previously reported from the MGVF, are practically undistinguishable from the expected Plio-Quaternary paleodirections. The paleosecular variation is estimated through the study of the scatter of the virtual geomagnetic poles giving S_F = 15.9 with S_U =21.0 and S_L = 12.7 (upper and lower limits respectively). These values agree reasonably well with the recent statistical Models. The oldest sites analyzed (the Santa Teresa and Cerro Alto) yield normal polarity magnetizations as expected for the cooling units belonging to the Gauss geomagnetic Chron. The interesting feature of the record comes from lava flows dated at about 2.35 Ma with clearly defined normal directions. This may point out the possible existence of a normal polarity magnetization in the Matuyama reversed Chron older than the Reunion and may be correlated to Halawa event interpreted as the Cryptochron C2r.2r-1. Another important feature of the geomagnetic record obtained from the MGVF is the evidence of fully reversed geomagnetic field within Bruhnes Chron, at about 0.56 Ma corresponding to the relative paleointensity minimum of global extent found in marine sediments at about 590 ka.     

Geomagnetic field variations in southeastern Europe between 6500 and 100 years B.C.

Results from joint work between the Geophysical Institute (Sofia, Bulgaria), and the Geomagnetic Institute (Grocka, Yugoslavia) on the geomagnetic field variation in the prehistoric past are presented. Preliminary curves of variation of the three geomagnetic elements: declination, inclination and intensity are presented. The movement of the virtual pole position for the 6500 years time period B.C. is derived. The curves and the virtual pole positions provide a dating tool for archaeological purposes and determination of the periodicities in the geomagnetic secular variations in southeastern Europe.     

Chinese tombs oriented by a compass: Evidence from paleomagnetic changes versus the age of tombs

Extant written records indicate that knowledge of an ancient type of compass in China is very old — dating back to before the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) to at least the 4th century BC. Geomancy (feng shui) was practised for a long time (for millenia) and had a profound influence on the face of China’s landscape and city plans. The tombs (pyramids) near the former Chinese capital cities of Xi’an and Luoyang (together with their suburban fields and roads) show strong spatial orientations, sometimes along a basic South-North axis (relative to the geographic pole), but usually with deviations of several degrees to the East or West. The use of the compass means that the needle was directed towards the actual magnetic pole at the time of construction, or last reconstruction, of the respective tomb. However the magnetic pole, relative to the nearly ‘fixed’ geographic pole, shifts significantly over time. By matching paleomagnetic observations with modeled paleomagnetic history we have identified the date of pyramid construction in central China with the orientation relative to the magnetic pole positions at the respective time of construction. As in Mesoamerica, where according to the Fuson hypothesis the Olmécs and Maya oriented their ceremonial buildings and pyramids using a compass even before the Chinese, here in central China the same technique may have been used. We found a good agreement of trends between the paleodeclinations observed from tomb aligments and the available global geomagnetic field model CALS7K.2.     

Paleointensity of the earth's magnetic field during the Laschamp excursion and its geomagnetic implications

The reversed paleomagnetic direction of the Laschamp and Olby flows represents a specific feature of the geomagnetic field. This is supported by paleomagnetic evidence, showing that the same anomalous direction was recorded at several distinct sites, including scoria of the Laschamp volcano. To examine this anomalous geomagnetic fluctuation, we studied the paleointensity of the Laschamp and Olby flows, using the Thellier method. Twenty-five samples were selected for the paleointensity experiments, and from seven we obtained reliable results. Because the paleointensity results of the Olby and Laschamp flows as well as Laschamp scoria are very similar, they can be represented by a single mean paleointensity,F = 7.7 μT. Considering that this low paleointensity is less than 1/6 of the present geomagnetic field and is more characteristic of transitional behavior, our results suggest that the paleomagnetic directions of the Laschamp and Olby flows were not acquired during a stable reversed polarity interval. A more likely explanation is that the Laschamp excursion represents an unsuccessful or aborted reversal.     

磁赤道处化极方法

化向地磁极(化极)是最基本的磁测资料处理方法之一,化极能消除或减少斜磁化影响,提高对磁测资料的认识程度和解释水平,对研究地壳产生的磁异常具有重要意义.但低纬度地区特别是磁赤道处,化极处理很不稳定甚至奇异,一直是位场研究的难点.针对地磁纬度较低特别是磁赤道地区磁异常化极的困难,利用从磁北极处垂直磁化向低纬度地区水平磁化方向转换稳定的特点,提出"狭义化赤"概念,并将其与低纬度磁异常"倒相"解释方法结合,提出专门用于磁赤道处化极的方法.该方法扩展了现有的化极理论,实现了磁赤道处的稳定化极.区别于目前任何方法,专门用于(近)水平磁化条件下的化极计算,具有原理简单,实现方便,收敛速度快等特点.对理论模型和实际资料计算表明这种针对磁赤道地区磁异常的化极处理方法是稳定、可靠的.     

苏鲁豫皖地区地磁异常场时空近期动态演化特征

以苏鲁豫皖地区2005年至2008年四期地磁矢量场的观测数据为基础,分别建立了该区域的F、D、I三个独立分量四期的地磁异常场模型。通过对郯庐断裂带中段地磁异常场时空动态演化特征分析,发现该区域的F、D、I分量地磁异常场形态在2005年11月九江地震前后出现了较大程度的变化,甚至出现了地磁正负异常场的反转,从2007年春季至2008年春季,该区域地磁异常场分布形态基本保持稳定。     

The statistical model for the secondary quick reversals during the geomagnetic pole transition

A statistical model for the quick reversals during a geomagnetic pole transition is put forward by combining the modern geomagnetic field and paleomagnetic field. The decrease of geomagnetic intensity determines the reversals, and the quick reversals are possibly caused by the interaction between g01 and the other geomagnetic components.     

Changes in the geomagnetic field and solar wind — causes of changes of climate and atmospheric circulation

Summary The analyses of various types of geomagnetic and atmospheric manifestations have disclosed certain associations. The agreement in the occurrence of the increased spectral densities as regards geomagnetic activity and the variations of atmospheric pressure over the geomagnetic pole proves the relation between their periodicities. The results imply that the changes in the intensity of corpuscular radiation, indicated by geomagnetic activity, affect the pressure patterns over the geomagnetic pole and polar region significantly, so that a pronounced modification of the general circulation may take place, as shown schematically in Figs 14a,b.Dedicated to Prof. RNDr. Emil Buchar, DrSc., Corresponding Member of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, on the Occasion of His 75^th Birthday     

Comparison of the Brunhes epoch geomagnetic secular variation recorded in the volcanic and sedimentary rocks

The results of numerical modeling of the geomagnetic secular variation by the method of the Giant Gaussian Process (GGP) are presented and compared with the information derived from the presentday databases for paleointensity. The variances of the positions of the virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) calculated from the synthetic and experimental data (Brunhes epoch, effusive rocks) are nearly similar, which supports the validity of the theoretical model. The average value of the virtual axial geomagnetic dipole (VADM) calculated from the PINT world database on paleointensity and the Sint-2000 model is lower than VADM calculated by the GGP model; at the same time, the estimates based on the archaeomagnetic data give the VADM value slightly above the model prediction. The largest difference is observed in the variances of VADM, which is for all the three databases noticeably higher than the value calculated from the GGP model. Most probably, this is due to the contribution of the neglected measurement errors of VADM.