Rock Magnetism

Rock magnetism is the study of how rocks acquire and record magnetic properties. When volcanic or sedimentary rocks cool or form, minerals within them can become magnetized in alignment with Earth's magnetic field. This magnetization preserves a record of the field's direction and strength at that time. Paleomagnetism, a branch of rock magnetism, uses this data to understand the historical movements of tectonic plates, the Earth's magnetic field changes, and past climates, offering insights into geological processes over millions of years. This knowledge aids in reconstructing Earth's geological history and understanding its dynamic nature.