The stable orientations of the net magnetic moment within single-domain particles: Experimental evidence for a range of stable states and implications for rock magnetism and palaeomagnetism

Secondly, computations of the ancient field vector and palaeointensity from remanence anisotropy techniques would not only be controlled by the shape and distribution of the particles, but also by the range of possible stable orientations of the net moment within each SD particle. Laboratory analogue remanences (and, we suspect, natural remanences) would be influenced by the range of possible stable moment positions. Quantifying the range of these stable moment positions, upon acquisition of laboratory or natural remanences, should lead to improved methods of computing the ancient field direction and palaeointensity in anisotropic rocks.