Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Studying long‐term geomagnetic field behavior is crucial for understanding Earth's evolution, as field variability reflects processes in the planet's deep interior. One key question concerns the relationship between field strength and polarity reversal frequency, particularly during the Cretaceous Normal Superchron (CNS), a prolonged interval without reversals. We present new paleomagnetic and paleointensity data from the Deccan Traps, emplaced shortly after the CNS potentially recording the geodynamo's transition back to a reversing state. Sixteen reliable paleointensity estimates were obtained from three sites and have Quality of Paleointensity (Q PI ) scores of seven to eight. To evaluate selection criteria, results were compared using SELCRIT2, Thellier Tool A, MI‐CRIT.A1, and PICRIT03. SELCRIT2 proved too permissive, whereas MI‐CRIT.A1 most effectively excluded potentially biased data. Site mean Virtual Dipole Moments decrease stratigraphically from 7.0 ± 0.8 × 10 22 Am 2 at the base to 5.5 ± 0.4 × 10 22 Am 2 at the top of our sampled section. These values are higher than prior ∼66 Ma estimates which meet Q PI ≥ 3 criteria and are instead more consistent with data satisfying the stricter prioritized Q PI subset (QAGE + QALT + QMD). Together with existing records and model observations, our results suggest that the geomagnetic field was weaker and less variable after the CNS, supporting a closer link between reversal frequency and intensity range than absolute strength alone. Nonetheless, even rigorously filtered data sets may retain biases, complicating interpretations of this enigmatic period. Our study underscores the need for stringent selection criteria in paleointensity research.
DOI: 10.1029/2025jb033124
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,070
Funder: National Science Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W7119191120