Exploring Ancient Magnetism with 3D X-ray Imaging and Magnetic Simulations

This lecture explores how magnetic minerals in rocks record ancient magnetic fields, crucial for reconstructing past continental configurations and understanding Earth's core behavior. Learn about the challenges in palaeomagnetic research, particularly how most magnetic recorders are vortex-state grains rather than the ideal single-domain particles. Discover how X-ray Ptychographic Computed Tomography enables non-destructive 3D visualization of microscopic mineral samples, allowing quantitative analysis and identification of mineral phases. Dr. Ualisson Bellon from the University of Edinburgh demonstrates how combining tomographic methods with numerical modeling provides insights into the magnetic properties and formation processes of these minerals through spatial correlation with surrounding mineral phases.