Antarctic Volcanic Rock Paleomagnetic Measurements

4840 paleomagnetic measurements from 271 rock samples collected at 40 sites near McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. The data were published by Tauxe et al. in 2004 and are archived in the MagIC database under grant OPP 022940. Measurements and interpretations can be reviewed and downloaded via a persistent URL.

Use Cases

• Analyze paleomagnetic measurement data to determine the timing of the Matuyama-Brunhes geomagnetic reversal.
• Correlate site-level paleomagnetic directions with 40Ar/39Ar age data to refine volcanic eruption chronologies.
• Use sample-level magnetic susceptibility and remanence data to model ancient geomagnetic field behavior.
• Compare measurement selection criteria across 4840 entries to assess data quality and consistency.

Strengths

• 4840 individual paleomagnetic measurements provide a substantial observational basis.
• Data covers 40 distinct sampling sites, offering spatial context across the study region.
• Includes interpretations and selection criteria for transparent analysis.

Limitations

• Limited to a specific geographic area (McMurdo Sound), reducing global generalizability.
• Data is from 2004, potentially lacking modern analytical techniques or more recent samples.
• Sample size of 271 rocks may be insufficient for highly granular statistical models.

Provenance

Source

MagIC database, archived from grant OPP 022940, publication Tauxe et al., 2004.

Collection Method

Paleomagnetic measurements and 40Ar/39Ar dating of volcanic rock samples.

Time Range

Covers the Matuyama and Brunhes geomagnetic chrons (spanning approximately the last 2.5 million years).

Freshness

null

Geography

McMurdo Sound region, Antarctica.