The use of magnetic field excursions in stratigraphy

The use of magnetic field excursions in stratigraphy is difficult primarily because the excursion field is complex and not dominantly dipolar. In contrast with a reversal, which is a global event, an excursion can be evidenced at one location but not another. Although this does not by itself rule out the use of excursions in stratigraphy, it does limit the geographic area over which they may be correlated. We recommend, somewhat conservatively, that excursions can be used to correlate between sedimentary cores separated by angular distances of less than 30° on Earth's surface. Correlation between cores separated by more than 45° should not be attempted.