Paleomagnetism
This line of research devotes substantial efforts to the magnetostratigraphy of sedimentary materials for chronological purposes. Currently a research into geounits of karst systems, in order to establish the time of opening of the caves, the onset of the sedimentary fillings and the evolution of the karst in general is being conducting. Magnetostratigraphy research at paleo-archaeological sites such as Atapuerca, Guadix-Baza, Ain Hanech- Ain Boucherit (Algeria) and at the basin of Ain Beni Mathar (Morocco) is also carried out.
Rock magnetic records in extensive stratigraphic sequences are used to identify the presence of cyclicalities that could correspond to astronomical variations (Milankovitch cycles). The detection of these cycles (precession, obliquity, eccentricity) enables the chronostratigraphical control of a scaled resolution of such cycles, making it possible to make important adjustments to the timescales of the stratigraphic sequences.
This lineof research includes:
- Creation of magnetostratigraphic records (Pliocene-Pleistocene).
- Development of rock magnetic cyclostratigraphy.
- Magnetic properties in cave deposits (clastic, chemical).
- Application of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) to sedimentary environments.
- Separation of the paramagnetic anisotropy through high-field hysteresis loops.
Research Program Coordinator: Geochronology and Geology