What is Paleomagnetism? A Google search reveals many different definations, some of which are flat out wrong and all of which are incomplete. In this class, we will use the term "rock magnetism" to refer to the study of the magnetic properties of rocks and minerals and paleomagnetism to refer to the application of magnetic measurements of rocks and minerals to solve geological and geophysical problems. One such application is the study of the ancient Earth's magnetic field as recording in geological materials. Another is the use of magnetic directions recorded in rocks for paleogeographic reconstructions.

The broad and interdisciplinary nature of paleomagnetism is one of its great strengths. Over the last century, paleomagnetic research has focussed on four main branches: fundamental tool development, geomagnetic applications, geological applications and environmental applications. This class will cover the fundamentals of rock and paleomagnetism.