Magnetic properties of rocks 1300-WWMS-OG

The lecture provides basic knowledge and interpretation skills in magnetic methods applicable in a wide range of scientific fields, e.g.: geology, environment protection, archaeology, biology and medicine. The contents of the lecture is focused on:
- understanding of fundamental physical principles determining magnetic properties of materials and rocks,
- knowledge of measurement procedures and measurement instruments available at the University of Warsaw,
- knowledge of basic statistical methods useful in magnetic studies,
- application of magnetic methods in studying the history of Earth, stratigraphy, palaeomagnetism, the natural processes in the environment and the effect of human activity.

Lecture (24h) topics are as follows:
1. Introduction to magnetism and Earth magnetic field. Examples of magnetic method applications in Earth sciences.
2. Magnetic susceptibility – physical model, measurements in laboratory and in the field, interpretation.
3. Magnetic remanence – physical model, magnetic domains, hysteresis loop, ferromagnetics in natural environment.
4. Identification of magnetic minerals using laboratory techniques. Magnetic characteristics of common minerals.
5. Geochemistry, precipitation and stability conditions of magnetic minerals. The role of weathering and thermal alteration. The cycle of iron in nature. The magnetism of hydrocarbon system.
6. Environmental magnetism. The microbial production of magnetic minerals. Chemical conditions in fresh sediments and during diagenesis. The role of human activity.
7. Palaeomagnetism and magnetostratigraphy. Stability of magnetic remanence over geological time. Deciphering of the past Earth magnetic field and past continent motions.
8. Secular variations of Earth magnetic field – high-resolution stratigraphy and investigation of archaeological sites.
9. FORC (first order reversal curve) analysis, multicomponent systems (end-member analysis) and magnetic granulometry.
10. Magnetic anisotropy – physical model and its relation to natural processes: sedimentology and tectonics.
11. Magnetic anisotropy – geological interpretation: the effect of compaction and tectonic deformation. The magnetic fabrics of rocks. Determining of directional fabrics of materials. Magnetic methods in porosity analysis.
12. The research potential and frontiers of magnetic methods. The causes of measurement inaccuracy and difficulties of interpretation. Summary and discussion.

The practical part (6h) includes a visit to a magnetic laboratory (European Centre for Geological Education – University of Warsaw, Institute of Geophysics - Polish Academy of Sciences or Polish Geological Institute - National Research Institute) and a presentation of its scientific equipment.

The lecture is in Polish with vocabulary and bibliography both in Polish and English.