palaeomagnetists

Palaeomagnetists are scientists who study the Earth's ancient magnetic field as recorded in rocks. They examine the magnetic properties of rocks, particularly igneous rocks that form from cooling magma, and sedimentary rocks that accumulate over time. As these rocks cool or form, magnetic minerals within them align with the Earth's magnetic field at that specific time and location, preserving a record of its direction and intensity.

By analyzing these magnetic signatures in rocks from different geological ages and locations, palaeomagnetists can reconstruct the history of the Earth's magnetic field. This includes understanding how the field has changed in strength, how the magnetic poles have shifted, and how the magnetic field has reversed its polarity many times throughout Earth's history. This study of palaeomagnetism is crucial for dating rocks and geological formations, as well as for understanding plate tectonics.

The movement of continents over geological timescales can be traced by comparing the ancient magnetic field directions recorded in rocks from different landmasses. If rocks of the same age from different continents show different magnetic orientations, it suggests that the continents have moved relative to each other since the rocks were formed. Palaeomagnetism also provides insights into the processes occurring within the Earth's core, which is the source of the planet's magnetic field.