Review of self-reversed natural remanent magnetization

ZhaoPing WANG, ShiShun WANG, Liao CHANG

Prog Geophy ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (6) : 2483-2502.

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Prog Geophy ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (6) : 2483-2502. DOI: 10.6038/pg2025II0430

Review of self-reversed natural remanent magnetization

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Abstract

Natural Remanent Magnetization (NRM) of geological samples contains critical records to understand the evolution of geomagnetic fields. Self-Reversed Remanent Magnetization (SRM) refers to the phenomenon that certain magnetic materials acquire a remanent magnetization opposite to the direction of external magnetic field. SRM may occur in various geological settings. Understanding the SRM mechanism is essential for accurately establishing magnetostratigraphy, reconstructing plate tectonics, and interpreting past geomagnetic field variations. However, current researches on SRM in geological samples are mostly case studies, lacking a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge. This paper reviews the historical development of SRM research on geological samples, highlighting representative case studies on both natural and synthetic samples. Emphases are laid on features and physical mechanisms of SRM in different geological contexts, outlining the methodologies and techniques used for investigating SRM, and addressing current challenges and knowledge gaps. Future research should utilize interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the microscopic physical mechanisms and to advance the study of SRM.

Key words

Self-Reversed Remanent Magnetization (SRM) / Natural Remanent Magnetization (NRM) / Magnetic minerals / Rock magnetism / Paleomagnetism

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ZhaoPing WANG , ShiShun WANG , Liao CHANG. Review of self-reversed natural remanent magnetization[J]. Progress in Geophysics. 2025, 40(6): 2483-2502 https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2025II0430

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