Geophysical aspects of paleomagnetism

Abstract

Paleomagnetism concerns the history of the earth's magnetic field as it has been recorded throughout geologic time by the remanent magnetism of rocks. It is no exaggeration to say that such studies have recently revolutionized our ideas in geology and geophysics. Field reversals, polar wander, continental drift, and sea floor spreading all essentially depend upon paleomagnetism for their demonstration. However, the theoretical basis for paleomagnetism has not developed with the same rapidity as has its application in geological thinking.