Practical course in rock magnetism 1300-WPMS
The course allows participants to learn techniques of sample field collection and preparation, magnetic measurements in the field with portable devices and measurements in geophysical laboratory of European Centre for Geological Education (University of Warsaw, ECEG).
The classes cover elaboration and interpretation of magnetic data, applicable in magnetic studies of rocks and sediments in a wide range of Earth sciences.
Acquired skills allow participants to carry their own magnetic research of any material in aspects of: magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, remanence carriers, magnetic anisotropy and microstructural grain arrangement.
Following sub-projects are carried during the course:
- magnetic susceptibility logging in sedimentary sequences focused on characterization of mineral variability,
- magnetic susceptibility and coercion mapping – determination of lithological boundaries and anthropogenic influence,
- identification of magnetic remanence carriers and paleomagnetic directions in order to reconstruct the palaeoposition of continents,
- analysis of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility – directions of tectonic deformation and magnetic sedimentary fabric.
During fieldwork the participants acquire skills of:
- collecting oriented cylinder samples in the field using portable rock drill and soft-sediment sampler,
- collecting oriented rock fragments,
- collecting soil samples for mapping,
- magnetic susceptibility measurements with portable meter for sedimentary sequences logging,
- preparation of magnetic samples for laboratory measurements in ECEG.
In the geophysical laboratory (ECEG) the following measurements and techniques are trained:
- magnetic susceptibility and its anisotropy (AMS),
- remanence, both natural (NRM) and induced in laboratory experiments,
- acquisition of isothermal remanence (IRM) and saturation of samples,
- acquisition of thermal (TRM) and anhysteretic (ARM) remanence,
- thermal demagnetisation,
- ferromagnetic anisotropy (anisotropy of anhysteretic remanence, AARM).
The course takes 4 days in ECEG, alternatively as one longer or two shorter excursions. The course exact date will be chosen according to participant preferences. The accommodation costs are covered by participants.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
The participant has a skill of:
- reading the paleomagnetic record of rocks and sediments,
- interpreting of mineral composition variability using magnetic susceptibility measurements,
- determining ferromagnetic carriers in laboratory experiments,
- reconstruction of continent palaeoposition from measured magnetic inclination and declination,
- reconstruction of tectonic deformation directions using magnetic anisotropy.
The participant knows:
- laboratory techniques and instruments,
- properties of magnetic minerals occurring in Earth crust,
- research capability of magnetic methods in palaeomagnetism, mineral composition, anisotropy of mineral grain arrangement,
- research capability of magnetic methods in geochemistry and geomicrobiology,
- health and safety rules when using field and laboratory equipment.
Assessment criteria
Participants are expected to perform all the field tasks and measurements in laboratory. They also have to prepare a written report of their measurements. The grade is given for the report, interpretation, as well as activity and creativity during the classes.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: