Definition
Magnetostratigraphy relies on the ability of sedimentary rocks to acquire a remanent magnetization when they form, which parallels the direction of the Earth’s ambient magnetic field. Since the geomagnetic field has undergone multiple nonperiodic reversals through Earth history, a magnetic zonation of sedimentary sequences is feasible according to the polarity of the rock magnetization. A magnetostratigraphic zonation allows dividing the stratigraphic record into time slices which can be correlated worldwide. Magnetostratigraphic dating refers to the identification in the stratigraphic record of magnetozones, which can be correlated to age-equivalent geomagnetic chrons. The compiled absolute ages of geomagnetic chrons form the basis for the geomagnetic polarity time scale (GPTS), which is routinely revised with new radiometric or astronomic calibrations (Figure 1).
Development of the geomagnetic polarity time scale of the last 12 Ma...
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Garces, M. (2015). Magnetostratigraphic Dating. In: Jack Rink, W., Thompson, J.W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Scientific Dating Methods. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6304-3_115
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