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An analysis of the effects of thermal demagnetization on magnetic carriers
Author(s) -
Holm Eric J.,
Verosub Kenneth L.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl015i005p00487
Subject(s) - demagnetizing field , magnetite , ilmenite , rock magnetism , magnetization , thermal , geology , dissolution , saturation (graph theory) , greigite , hematite , materials science , mineralogy , condensed matter physics , geophysics , magnetic field , remanence , chemistry , thermodynamics , physics , paleontology , mathematics , quantum mechanics , combinatorics
We have attempted to determine why samples of the Mio‐Pliocene Purisima Formation are not amenable to thermal demagnetization. Analyses of the changes in direction, intensity, susceptibility, color, and saturation magnetization as well as examination of individual magnetic grains using a scanning electron microscope have all contributed to the development of a consistent hypothesis for the fate of iron during thermal demagnetization. In this particular case, we believe that oxidation‐exsolution of ilmenite and then direct dissolution of nearly pure magnetite result from progressively higher heating levels. Our approach should be useful in understanding the origin and nature of the magnetization of many lithologies, including those for which thermal demagnetization is the method of choice.