Plate tectonics may control geomagnetic reversal frequency

F. Pétrélis (1) , J. Besse (2) , J. -P. Valet (2)

1 ENS-PSL - École normale supérieure - Paris
2 IPGP - Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris

The discovery of the reversals of Earth's magnetic field and the description of plate tectonics are two of the main breakthroughs in geophysics in the 20th century. We claim that these two phenomena are correlated and that plate tectonics controls long-term changes in geomagnetic reversal frequency. More precisely, geological intervals characterized by an asymmetrical distribution of the continents with respect to the equator are followed by intervals of high reversal frequency. We speculate that the distribution and symmetry of mantle structures driving continental motions at the surface influence the equatorial symmetry of the flow within the core and thus change the coupling between the dipolar and quadrupolar modes which controls the occurrence of reversals.

Domains: Sciences of the Universe [physics]

F. Pétrélis, J. Besse, J. -P. Valet. Plate tectonics may control geomagnetic reversal frequency. Geophysical Research Letters, 2011, 38, ⟨10.1029/2011GL048784⟩. ⟨insu-03606445⟩