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Paleomagnetism and the motion of large and small plates
Author(s) -
McWilliams Michael O.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg021i003p00644
Subject(s) - paleomagnetism , geology , apparent polar wander , cenozoic , earth's magnetic field , paleontology , palaeogeography , continental drift , geophysics , mesozoic , polar wander , seismology , tectonics , magnetic field , structural basin , physics , quantum mechanics , volcanism
The focus of paleomagnetic research during past decades has varied greatly. The first generation in paleomagnetism might be defined as beginning with the pioneering studies aimed at discovering whether the geomagnetic field has been a reliable reference frame for measuring and timing continental displacements. An enormous effort followed, in the form of individual paleomagnetic studies of cratonic rocks, culminating with the construction of APW (apparent polar wander) paths for the continents which could be used to test paleogeographic reconstructions. Coupled with parallel research in marine geophysics and geology, the refined APWP which result from this effort have helped to develop a reasonable first‐order history of Cenozoic/Mesozoic paleogeography for the major plates.