Plate motion and a dipolar geomagnetic field at 3.25 Ga.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 36279430.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1073/pnas.2210258119 and PMC identifier 9636958.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-ND.
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Abstract
The paleomagnetic record is an archive of Earth's geophysical history, informing reconstructions of ancient plate motions and probing the core via the geodynamo. We report a robust 3.25-billion-year-old (Ga) paleomagnetic pole from the East Pilbara Craton, Western Australia. Together with previous results from the East Pilbara between 3.34 and 3.18 Ga, this pole enables the oldest reconstruction of time-resolved lithospheric motions, documenting 160 My of both latitudinal drift and rotation at rates of at least 0.55°/My. Motions of this style, rate, and duration are difficult to reconcile with true polar wander or stagnant-lid geodynamics, arguing strongly for mobile-lid geodynamics by 3.25 Ga. Additionally, this pole includes the oldest documented geomagnetic reversal, reflecting a stably dipolar, core-generated Archean dynamo.
Medical subject headings
- Geological Phenomena