Work

Bayesian Inference of Local Paleosecular Variation From Sparse Paleomagnetic Data

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We introduce a novel Bayesian method to construct local paleosecular variation (PSV) curves. By modeling the geomagnetic field as a Gaussian process, global models can be incorporated as informative prior distributions. Because we use Hamiltonian Monte‐Carlo methods, complex age distributions resulting for example from radiocarbon calibration can be incorporated in the model. This improves PSV reconstruction in poorly sampled intervals and allows age refinement of individual records. We validate the method with synthetic data and apply it to the Azores, demonstrating its effectiveness in data‐limited regions. The approach is implemented in an open‐source Python package.

Source: Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth

DOI: 10.1029/2025jb032670

Authors: M. A. Schanner, R. Meyer, L. V. de Groot

Institutions: GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Utrecht University

Language: English

Topic: Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,070

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek