Studies of the earth's past magnetic field (paleointensity) as a function of time are crucially important for understanding the geomagnetic field and core-dynamics, and they also provide much-needed constraints for geodynamo models. This grant supports acquisition of a high-precision thermal demagnetizer for absolute paleointensity experiments and an Alternating-Current susceptibility system for rapidly and precisely characterizing basic rock-magnetic properties that will facilitate development of new and better techniques for accurately measuring geomagnetic field paleointensity. The instruments will support a range of NSF-supported paleo, rock and environmental magnetic investigations in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz and stimulate new national and international collaborative research projects in the Earth sciences. All data acquired will be made available in pertinent databases (e.g., Magnetics Information Consortium - MagIC and disseminated in journal articles. In addition to research, these instruments will extend current research and research training capabilities for students.
