Grain size dependent potential for self generation of magnetic anomalies on Mars via thermoremanent magnetic acquisition and magnetic interaction of hematite and magnetite

Abstract

Early in the history of planetary evolution portions of Martian crust became magnetized by dynamo-generated magnetic field. A lateral distribution of the secondary magnetic field generated by crustal remanent sources containing magnetic carriers of certain grain size and mineralogy is able to produce an ambient magnetic field of larger intensity than preexisting dynamo. This ambient field is capable of magnetizing portions of deeper crust that cools through its blocking temperatures in an absence of dynamo. We consider both magnetite (Fe 3O 4) and hematite (α-Fe 2O 3) as minerals contributing to the overall magnetization. Analysis of magnetization of magnetic minerals of various grain size and concentration reveals that magnetite grains less than 0.01 mm in size, and hematite grains larger than 0.01 mm in size can become effective magnetic source capable of magnetizing magnetic minerals contained in surrounding volume. Preexisting crustal remanence (for example ∼250 A/m relates to 25% of multi-domain hematite) can trigger a self-magnetizing process that can continue in the absence of magnetic dynamo and continue strengthening and/or weakening magnetic anomalies on Mars. Thickness of the primary magnetic layer and concentration of magnetic carriers allow specification of the temperature gradient required to trigger a self-magnetization process.