Cooling rate effects on the magnetization of volcanic rocks: Some implications for paleointensity determination

Abstract

Effects of variation of cooling rate in the acquisition of thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) are analyzed on a suite of volcanic rocks. We use a three-step cooling rate experimental procedure applied at three distinct temperatures of TRM acquisition. Sixteen selected, thermally stable samples from Late Quaternary lava flows were given a pTRM (300°C) at a slow cooling rate. The acquired intensities were measured at room temperature. A second pTRM was applied to the same specimens using a fast cooling rate, and the acquired intensities were measured at room temperature. Finally a third pTRM was induced as in the first step, using a slow cooling rate. The procedure was repeated to create pTRM’s at higher temperatures of 450° and 550°C. Corresponding percent variations between magnetization intensities acquired at slow-fast and at slow-slow cooling rates were calculated to investigate the influence of cooling rate on TRM intensity acquisition, and on TRM acquisition capacity. We observe values as high as 300 % in the former case (300 °C). Intensity of the ancient geomagnetic field obtained from volcanic rocks could be overestimated by at least 15% due to a variation in cooling rate normally employed in the laboratory, as compared to slower rates found in nature.