Thermorémanent

Thermorémanent refers to a type of remanent magnetization acquired by a material when it cools from a temperature above its Curie point in the presence of an external magnetic field. The Curie point is the temperature at which a ferromagnetic material loses its permanent magnetism and becomes paramagnetic. As the material cools through its Curie point in the presence of a magnetic field, the magnetic domains within the material align themselves with the external field. Once the material cools below this critical temperature, this alignment is locked in, resulting in a permanent magnetization. This thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) is a powerful tool in paleomagnetism, the study of Earth's past magnetic field. By analyzing the TRM of rocks, scientists can determine the direction and intensity of the magnetic field at the time the rocks were formed. This provides crucial data for understanding plate tectonics, the history of Earth's magnetic field reversals, and even dating geological formations. TRM is also important in understanding the magnetic properties of various minerals and their behavior under different thermal conditions. The strength and stability of TRM depend on factors such as the mineralogy of the rock, the strength of the magnetic field during cooling, and the rate of cooling.