9218730 Renne This award provides partial funding for the acquisition of a cryogenic magnetometer that is to be installed and operated in the Geochronology Center at the Institute of Human Origins (IHO). The IHO is committed to providing the remaining funds needed for the purchase and installation of the equipment. The Geochronology Center is engaged in a broad spectrum of research activities in the earth sciences that use paleomagnetism (measure of the earth's ancient magnetic field orientation as recorded in the magnetic minerals of ancient rocks). The sensitivity of the new cryogenic magnetometer is needed in a number of research projects that include: (1) Refinement of the geomagnetic polarity time scale ... when in the past did the earth's magnetic field reverse itself? (2) Stratigraphic studies. (3) Tectonic studies, and (4) The research of non-IHO scientists who will be encouraged to utilize the new facility. ***