玉美人传媒

Prof. Kenneth A. Hoffman Département de Minéralogie Rue des Maraîchers 13 CH-1211 Genève 4 Suisse - Switzerland

UNIVERSITE DE GENEVE

Tél. +41 22 702 6624 Fax +41 22 320 5732 hoffman@sc2a.unige.ch www.unige.ch/sciences/terre/mineral/welcome.html

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Kenneth A. Hoffman

(Cal. Poly. State Univ. USA, Professeur invité, Univ. Genève)

Day 1:

The Geomagnetic Field, Earth's Fluid Outer Core and the Geodynamo

The first day of this module will be one where the focus is understanding Earth's magnetic field and its source in the fluid outer core. To do this we will first need to understand the spatial field qualitatively and, then, quantitatively. The first part will be descriptive and the second mathematical. [The use of math will be presented with physical intuition in mind.] In addition, we will discuss the physical state of Earth's core and how a magnetic field may be generated within it.

Day 2:

Rock Magnetism, Mineralogy, and the Paleomagnetic Method

The second day will be devoted to understanding rock magnetism and the paleomagnetic method. We will discuss aspects of magnetic mineralogy in igneous rocks and sediments and understand how rocks become magnetized. Then we will develop the techniques and procedures utilized in rock magnetic and paleomagnetic investigation from field work to laboratory work and analysis. Also, the importance of radiometric dating in studies of paleomagnetic field behavior and the geomagnetic polarity time scale will also be discussed.

Day 3:

Paleomagnetic Data: From Secular Variation to Reversals

On the third day we will look at data: paleosecular variation, paleointensity, and transitional field behavior - obtained from paleomagnetic investigation of rocks and sediments. We also will discuss the advantages and limitations of particular rock types as recorders of the geomagnetic field. The plan is to ultimately understand how the geodynamo works from the analysis of paleomagnetic records. Evidence of mantle influence on the core dynamo will also be an important topic. Discussion of current controversies and future prospects will also be discussed.