Fieldwork

The Natural Magnetism Group's fieldwork relates to a range of research topics, including studying the early geomagnetic field, dating formations, and studying volcanic flows.

Research Topics

Using magnetostratigraphy to date the Morrison Formation. The biggest and best sequence for the study of dinosaurs in the world.

USA

Studying the link between Large Igneous Provinces and mass extensions. Why is there no mass extinction associated with Etendeka traps? We used magnetostratigraphy to determine the extrusion rate of this LIP. Turns out it was very slow compared to the Deccan traps associated with the KT boundary.

Namibia

Studying the early geomagnetic field between 3 Ga to 1.5 Ga, using the rocks of Southern Africa.

Botswana 

Using palaeomagnetic methods to understand hydrocarbon formation and migration.

Core store, University of Alberta; Mupe Bay, England

Palaeomagnetic study of the geomagnetic field behaviour during the Bruhnes epoch, circa 400 ka.

Datong Volcanic Province, China 

Studying volcanic pyroclastic flows, e.g., Pompeii 79 AD Estimating emplacement temperatures and the geohazard risk associated with them.

Vesuvius; Mexico; Mt St Helens, USA 

Developing new methods of determining ancient field intensities. Testing on historical lava flows (post 1900 AD) where we know the answer.

Iceland, Mexico 

Geomagnetic field variation on geological timescales: How well does the Geocentric Axial Dipole theory work at high-latitudes?

Iceland

Iceland

Using palaeomagnetic methods to date cataclysmic events, for example, Tsunami deposits or mega-flood deposits.

Santiago Island, Cape Verde ; Sea Cliff, Scotland; Iceland

 Cairngorms, Scotland; Idaho, USA; Norway