96-14138 Merrill The PI proposes a theoretical study to determine the structures and energy minimum states for pseudo single domain (PSD) grains, in which stable magnetization in rocks typically resides. Preliminary analyses show that there are local energy minimum states even for the small grains exhibiting magnetic vortex structures, and that for a limited range of sizes and shapes, the global energy minimum state is that in which the magnetization is along the shortest dimension of the grain. This feature is contrary to what is expected and described widely in the community, and it has important ramifications for inclination anomalies, anisotropy, and for the origins of remanent magnetizations. ***
