Paleomagnetic research at USC encompasses a broad spectrum of fundamental studies related to the origin/variation of the earth's magnetic field, the process of remanence acquisition in rocks, and the application of paleomagnetism to multidisciplinary geological and paleoceanographic studies.  Secular variation and magnetic-field transition records recovered from lake sediments and deep-sea cores are being used to characterize paleomagnetic field variability and to help constrain models of the earth's core dynamo.  Rock magnetic studies are being carried out to determine the process of remanence acquisition in sediments and to understand the role of diagenesis in the timing and process of remanence acquisition.  Geological applications of paleomagnetism carried out at USC include 1) dating rock sequences based on magnetic secular variation and reversal stratigraphies and 2) relocating tectonic plates based on apparent-polar-wander paths (APWPs).  The dating applications have been used to 1) examine the temporal interactions of sedimentation and tectonics within the foreland basins of the Himalayas, the Alps, and the Pyrenees and 2) correlate and date deep-sea sediments and analyze their biostratigraphic, paleoclimatic, and paleoceanographic relationships.  The tectonic applications have been used to 1) identify allochthonous terranes within southern and Baja California; 2) develop APWPs for microplates and reconstruct their paleotectonic relationships to North America; and 3) identify structural rotations within tectonic blocks. The paleomagnetism laboratory at USC is a state-of-the-art, computer-automated facility that includes a cryogenic magnetometer, vibrating-sample magnetometer, spinner magnetometer, alternating-field and thermal demagnetizers, and susceptibility meters.

In addition to candidates with strong geophysical/geological backgrounds, students with backgrounds in physics, mathematics, and computing are encouraged to apply.