Abstract
Kittel [1946], then of the erstwhile Bell Laboratories, predicted that magnetization reversal in small uniformly magnetized, or single‐domain particles will occur only if a large negative magnetic field (∼2×102 mT) was applied. In other words, once magnetically saturated and left in the ambient Earth's magnetic field, the single‐domain (SD) particles would exhibit high values of magnetic remanence, as well as high coercive forces. The terrestrial geomagnetic “recording media,” sediments and rocks with strongly ferrimagnetic particles in them, owe their magnetic stability or “memory” over geological timescales to such high coercive forces. Stacey (1963) applied Kittel's theory to calculate SD size thresholds for magnetite and hematite, the two most common iron oxide minerals in the Earth's crust.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
