Laboratory Details

Geomagnetism Laboratory

Magnetic measurements of natural materials have enormous utility across the Earth, Archaeological, Environmental and biological sciences but require sensitive and highly specialised instruments. The Geomagnetism Laboratory has a primary focus on applications of measurements to geological problems but has sufficient breadth in equipment and expertise to engage with other disciplnes as well. We specialise in producing measurements of ancient geomagnetic field behaviour and in improving the methodologies available to do so. We are a leading venue for measurements of the palaeomagnetic intensity (palaeointensities) and have unique equipment (high frequency microwave integrated demagnetisation/magnetometer; slow cooling oven) for this purpose along with a full suited of commercial instruments fit for this purpose. Our facilities are equally well-equipped for directional analysis and its range of applications for constraining palaeogeography, tectonics, and magnetostratigraphy. We are also well equipped for rock magnetic (including aniosoropic) characterisation of samples in support of palaeomagnetic measurements or for independent studies of e.g. magma flow within instrusive and extrusive rocks.