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

Author(s): Kletetschka G, Ness NF, Connerney JEP, Acuna MH, Wasilewski PJ

Source: PHYSICS OF THE EARTH AND PLANETARY INTERIORS 148 (2-4): 149-156 FEB 2005

Document Type: Article

Language: English

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 gram 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 (Fe3O4) and hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) 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 nun 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 similar to250 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. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords: magnetic mineralogy; self-magnetization; blocking temperature; Martian crust; temperature gradient

KeyWords Plus: REMANENT MAGNETIZATION; MULTIDOMAIN GRAINS; LAMELLAR MAGNETISM; SNC METEORITES; IGNEOUS ROCKS; FIELD; PYRRHOTITE; TRM; SPECTROMETER; TEMPERATURE

Addresses: Kletetschka G (reprint author), Catholic Univ Amer, Dept Phys, Washington, DC 20064 USA
Catholic Univ Amer, Dept Phys, Washington, DC 20064 USA
Acad Sci Czech Republ, Inst Geol, Prague, Czech Republic
NASA, Goddard Space Flight Ctr, Greenbelt, MD 20771 USA
Univ Delaware, Bartol Res Inst, Newark, DE 19716 USA

E-mail Addresses: gunther.kletetsckka@gsfc.nasa.gov

Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV, PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Subject Category: GEOCHEMISTRY & GEOPHYSICS

IDS Number: 898XL