PSV10: A Global Data Set for 0–10 Ma Time‐Averaged Field and Paleosecular Variation Studies

Abstract

AbstractGlobally distributed paleomagnetic data from discrete volcanic sites have previously been used for statistical studies of paleosecular variation and the structure of the time‐averaged field. We present a new data compilation, PSV10, selected from high‐quality paleodirections recorded over the past 10 Ma and comprising 2,401 sites from 81 studies. We require the use of modern laboratory and processing methods, a minimum of four samples per site, and within‐site Fisher precision parameter, kw, ≥50. Studies that identify significant tectonic effects or explicitly target transitional field states are excluded, thereby reducing oversampling of transitional time intervals. Additionally, we apply two approaches using geological evidence to minimize effects of short‐term serial correlation. PSV10 is suitable for use in new global geomagnetic and paleomagnetic studies as it has greatly improved spatial coverage of sites, especially at equatorial and high latitudes. VGP dispersion is latitudinally dependent, with substantially higher values in the Southern Hemisphere than at corresponding northern latitudes when no VGP cutoff is imposed. Average inclination anomalies for 10° latitude bins range from about +3 ± 2° to −7.5 ± 2° for the entire data set, with the largest negative values occurring at equatorial and mid‐northern latitudes. New 0–5 Ma TAF models (LN3 and LN3‐SC) based on selections of normal polarity data from PSV10 indicate a term that is 3.0% of . Non‐zonal variations in field structure are observed near the magnetic equator and in regions of increased radial flux at high latitudes over the Americas, the Indian Ocean, and Asia.