For Mesozoic to Quaternary times, the geomagnetic polarity record is central to the construction of geologic time scales, linking biostratigraphies, isotope stratigraphies and absolute ages. Changes of the polarity of the earth’s magnetic field are world-wide phenomena, enabling correlation and dating of geological material. Geomagnetic excursions represent short-lived deflections of the Earth’s magnetic field which can be observed on broader regional scales and are also suitable for chronostratigraphic correlations. On top of this, concentration and grain size-dependent magnetic parameters can be powerful indicators of temporal variations in climatically-modulated fluxes of sediment in sedimentary environments.
The presentation comprises a brief overview of the key elements of magnetic stratigraphy and a discussion of advantages and limitations, drawbacks and new trends exemplified at case studies on loess profiles and speleothemes.
Poster.pdf