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Geomagnetic field strength 3.2 billion years ago recorded by single silicate crystals

Author

Listed:
  • John A. Tarduno

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,
    University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA)

  • Rory D. Cottrell

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,)

  • Michael K. Watkeys

    (School of Geological Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa)

  • Dorothy Bauch

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,)

Abstract

Geomagnetism comes of age Earth's geomagnetic field protects us from harmful solar radiation, while also providing clues to the nature of Earth's core. Its age is of special interest as it helps define the early nature of the planet. Rocks of the Archaean Kaapvaal Craton (South Africa) are among the best-preserved on Earth, and an analysis of silicate crystals from minute magnetite inclusions in these rocks has been used to obtain palaeodirections and intensities of Earth's magnetic field some 3.2 billion years ago, the earliest record of the geodynamo. The field strength appears to have been about half the present-day value, indicating that the early Earth's atmosphere was indeed sheltered from solar wind erosion by a viable magnetosphere.

Suggested Citation

  • John A. Tarduno & Rory D. Cottrell & Michael K. Watkeys & Dorothy Bauch, 2007. "Geomagnetic field strength 3.2 billion years ago recorded by single silicate crystals," Nature, Nature, vol. 446(7136), pages 657-660, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:446:y:2007:i:7136:d:10.1038_nature05667
    DOI: 10.1038/nature05667
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