What can iron oxides tell about ancient Earth? – Prof. Melina Macouin – Géosciences Environnement Toulouse

Studying our Earth’s past gives us insight into the response of the Earth system to major climate crises. It may also allow us to understand the environment in which life developed on Earth 600 Ma ago.

For this, the magnetic field recorded in rocks is the only record of the position of the continents in the past. The intensity and geometry of the ancient magnetic field also provide information about the functioning of the geodynamics and thus the functioning of the Earth’s core.

However, deciphering this type of magnetic record requires both geological knowledge and the development of new techniques. Thus, I will present how collaboration between geology and physics laboratories can allow us to better study the Earth’s past.