Micropaleomagnetism

• Grant number: 23/13372-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geophysics
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Ivan Ferreira da Trindade
• Grantee: Gelson Ferreira de Souza Junior
• Supervisor: Roger Fu
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Harvard University, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/08379-5 - Micropaleomagnetism, BP.DR

Abstract

Paleomagnetism plays a pivotal role in paleogeographic reconstructions, offering valuable insights into Earth's magnetic field evolution. Traditional paleomagnetic methods involve the examination of bulk rock samples. However, recent technological advancements now enable the exploration of magnetic properties at micro and nanoscales, presenting opportunities to refine paleomagnetic interpretations. This project is dedicated to enhancing paleomagnetic analysis by exploring magnetic properties at microscopic levels. We have achieved promising results by developing an algorithm for identifying magnetic sources and estimating their magnetic intensity and directions, albeit using simple dipole models. Our current objective is to further improve these techniques, both for general magnetic microscopy data and Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM) data. Therefore, we will conduct experimental data acquisition using the QDM, with a specific focus on enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the magnetic inversion procedure. Incorporating all four directional components of the magnetic field measurements obtained from the QDM has the potential to reduce ambiguity and enhance the precision of the inversion results. Additionally, we will develop an improved algorithm for estimating the positions of magnetic sources, taking into account the influence of nearby stronger sources. This could enhance the magnetic inversion procedure by simultaneously estimating the dipole moment of all identified sources, considering their mutual interference. The outcomes of this project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the behavior of individual magnetic grains and provide the empirical foundation needed for conducting paleomagnetic experiments on real samples using magnetic microscopy. By integrating micro and nanoscale magnetic analysis, this research aims to advance the field of paleomagnetism and improve our comprehension of Earth's magnetic field history.