Rock magnetism as a tool for investigating the use of archaeological artefacts from baked clay

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evdokia Tema ◽  
Enzo Ferrara ◽  
Lorenzo Zamboni ◽  
Marica Venturino ◽  
Margherita Reboldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Age ◽  
Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Rock Magnetism ◽  
Magnetic Behavior ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Natural Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Rock Magnetic Properties ◽  
Ring Shape ◽  
Magnetic Analysis

<p>Even though multidisciplinary approaches applied to the investigation of archaeological findings are widely used, the use of rock magnetic properties is still poorly exploited in the determination of the use of ancient artefacts. In this study, we present the results of a combined archaeological, morphological and magnetic analyses applied on the ring-shape clay artefacts found at the archaeological site of Villa del Foro, in Northern Italy. The materials studied are dated between the sixth and the first half of fifth century BC and are found in large quantities in different trenches of the archaeological excavation. To investigate their thermal history and to exploit their possible use as kiln supports, cooking stands, or loom weights, we have investigated their natural remanent magnetization (NRM) and the magnetic mineralogy changes occurred during laboratory heating. Magnetic analysis used for the determination of the firing temperatures show thermal stability up to 500-600 <sup>o </sup>C, while further laboratory heating at 700 <sup>o </sup>C introduces magnetic alteration. Thermal demagnetization of the samples generally shows a strong and stable thermal remanent magnetization. In few cases, a clear secondary component is present, suggesting partial re-heating or displacement at temperatures ranging from 200 <sup>o</sup>C to 450 °C. Such secondary magnetic component can be indicative of a secondary heating or of a displacement of the rings from their initial firing position while still hot. Even though the studied rings belong to casually different morphological typologies, no connection among type and magnetic behavior was observed, suggesting that the ring’s morphology does not define neither their production conditions nor the final use of the artefacts. The estimated firing temperatures of around 600-700 <sup>o</sup>C are compatible with the heating of the rings during their manufacture rather than related to cooking activities. In combination with the archaeological evidence and the morphological analysis it is thus suggested that the rings were used as weight looms and baked only during their production procedures. Such a pilot study can be used as reference for the identification of similar objects found in Italy and Europe during the Iron Age and confirms the great potential of rock magnetic analysis in the investigation of the technology and use of ancient baked clays.</p>

Viscosité magnétique potentielle, aimantation détritique et viscosité réelle d'un sédiment lacustre quaternaire

1987 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1903-1912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Biquand ◽  
François Sémah
Keyword(s):  
Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Rock Magnetism ◽  
Viscosity Index ◽  
Natural Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Blocking Temperature ◽  
Magnetic Viscosity ◽  
Paleomagnetic Study ◽  
Temperature Spectra

The magnetic viscosity of sediments, as indicated by thermal demagnetization of natural remanent magnetization (NRM), depends on two main parameters: (i) the specific magnetic viscosity of the material and (ii) the efficiency of the primary magnetization process. In an attempt to determine the relative importance of these two variables, we studied a Lower Pleistocene lacustrine sequence bearing a primary reversed detrital remanent magnetization (DRM).Using natural samples and small cores made of crushed sediment, our study is based on the thermodynamic theory of rock magnetism developed by L. Néel, who established an equivalence between time and temperature, that is, between viscous remanent (VRM) and thermoremanent (TRM) magnetization processes. The determination of the blocking temperature spectra from 20 to 152 °C allows us to calculate the maximum theoretical VRM acquired in situ at each horizon, while the detailed thermal study of the NRM permits an appraisal of the DRM quality. This leads us to define a geological viscosity index, which accounts, in a rather convincing manner, for the behaviour of the samples observed during the classical paleomagnetic study. For the section studied, it appears that the variations of this index are closely correlated with the efficiency of the DRM acquisition process.

Direct determination of the natural remanent magnetization effect in a hole drilled in layered ground from magnetic field and susceptibility logs

Geophysics ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 872-884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Desvignes ◽  
Véronique Barthes ◽  
Alain Tabbagh
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Direct Determination ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Natural Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Joint Interpretation ◽  
The Fourier Transform ◽  
Layered Ground

A new method as presented, allows the joint interpretation of both electromagnetic (EM) and magnetic logs in layered ground, based on the fact that the susceptibility responses for these two measurements are linear. Thus we can make use of the classical properties of the Fourier transform to extract from these two signals the magnetic field due to remanent magnetization. Theoretical models show that for a sufficient sample step this remanent magnetization can be recovered, even if the Koenigsberger ratio is of the order of 0.2 and if the thickness of the magnetized layer is of the order of 1 m. The results for two case examples in a sedimentary context are also shown. Despite the difficulties due to experimental procedures, we show that the amplitude of the extracted information is significant in these two cases, even if its variations are somewhat structureless and cannot be easily explained by the geology.

IN‐SITU DETERMINATION OF THE REMANENT MAGNETIC VECTOR OF TWO‐DIMENSIONAL TABULAR BODIES

Geophysics ◽  
1966 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 949-962 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. P. Ross ◽  
P. M. Lavin
Keyword(s):  
Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Natural Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Potential Fields ◽  
Small Samples ◽  
Magnetic Survey ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Magnetic Vector ◽  
Gravity And Magnetic

Recent studies have shown that many rocks of the earth’s crust have a substantial component of remanent magnetization. Extensive sampling is required to determine adequately the remanent vector from small samples. A field technique has been developed (and tested on model data) for the in‐situ determination of the resultant (induced+remanent) magnetic vector of bulk volumes of rock, using a combined analysis of the gravity and magnetic fields of a disturbing body (Poisson’s Theorem). The potential fields are sampled adequately at a limited expenditure of time and effort in the field by utilizing the geometry of two‐dimensional bodies. The major limitation to the analysis is the removal of regional gradients and the estimation of the base levels of anomalies. Combined gravity and magnetic surveys were conducted over six diabase bodies in the Triassic Basin of Pennsylvania. The results of these surveys indicate a resultant direction of magnetization given approximately by: declination 2° W, inclination 41 degrees below the horizon. The corresponding direction of natural remanent magnetization has a declination of 1° W and an inclination of 28 degrees. The ratio of remanent to induced magnetization for the diabase is approximately two. These results have been used to provide a better interpretation of magnetic survey data over a magnetite deposit in the Triassic Basin.

Paleomagnetism of Archean rocks from northwestern Ontario: III. Rock magnetism of the Shelley Lake granite, Quetico Subprovince

1984 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 879-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Dunlop ◽  
Larry D. Schutts ◽  
Christopher J. Hale
Keyword(s):  
Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Rock Magnetism ◽  
Natural Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Thermal Decay ◽  
Magnetic Phases ◽  
Northwestern Ontario ◽  
Component Type ◽  
Thermal Overprint

The Shelley Lake granite of northwestern Ontario contains five magnetic phases: deuteric and post-crystallization hematites, which are relatively abundant but carry only 1–4% of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM); primary magnetite in coarse (50–500 μm) grains, both optically homogeneous and subdivided by hematite lamellae; micrometre-size secondary magnetite in chloritized biotites; and submicrometre-size magnetite, whose presence is inferred from low blocking temperatures in thermal decay curves of the NRM. The NRM is a composite of type 1 and type 2 remanences, which differ in direction by about 90° (see companion paleomagnetic paper). Both NRM components occur in normal (N) and reverse (R) polarities. Type 1 remanences (1N/1R) have the hallmarks of multidomain (MD) behaviour: high blocking temperatures but low coercivities, exponential alternating field (AF) decay curves, generally MD results of the Lowrie–Fuller test, and MD to transitional values (0.3–10) of the Koenigsberger Qn ratio. Furthermore, intensities of 0.6 Oe (0.06 mT) laboratory thermoremanent magnetizations (TRM's) match those of 1R and some 1N NRM's. We argue on this evidence that 1R and at least part of 1N NRM's are TRM's residing in coarse MD-size primary magnetite. This primary TRM dates from initial cooling of the Shelley Lake pluton around 2580 Ma. Thermal decay spectra of single-component type 2 NRM's (2N/2R) resemble those of 1R. However, the considerable overlap of 2N/2R and 1R blocking temperatures in multivectorial NRM's demonstrates that type 2 remanence must be a chemical or thermochemical rather than a thermal overprint.

scholarly journals NEW TECHNIQUES FOR SAMPLING AND CONSOLIDATION OF SEDIMENTS: APPLICATION TO BURNT SOILS FROM AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE IN AUSTRIA

2004 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 1129
Author(s):  
E. Aidona ◽  
R. Scholger ◽  
H. J. Mauritsch
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Susceptibility ◽  
Bronze Age ◽  
Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Natural Remanent Magnetization ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Stable Component ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Times ◽  
The Stability

An archaeomagnetic study requires samples to be oriented very precisely prior to the removal from the site and to be transported safely since most of the times the collected samples are very soft and fragile. In this study we present new techniques for sampling and consolidation of sediments and unconsolidated soils, which are useful tools for palaeomagnetic and archaeomagnetic investigations. An application of the above techniques has been performed in burnt soils (roastbeds) in an archaeological site near Eisenerz (Austria), which used to be a cooper-smelting place in Bronze Age (around 1450 b.c.) Several roast beds have been collected and consolidated in order to investigate the distribution and the stability of the magnetization of these materials. We obtained around 350 samples and the natural remanent magnetization and the magnetic susceptibility of all these samples have been measured with a 2G squid cryogenetic magnetometer and a GEOFYSIKA KLY-2 susceptibility meter, respectively. Plots of the natural remanent magnetization and magnetic susceptibility versus depth indicate different layers of heating and give some first evidences for the use of these soils during the smelting procedure. Higher values of the intensity of the magnetization as well as of the magnetic susceptibility represent the more intense heating layer. Magnetic cleaning (thermal and Af demagnetization) of pilot samples revealed the presence of a stable component of magnetization. It seems, therefore, that these types of materials are suitable for an archaeomagnetic investigation, since they are able to record and preserve all the necessary magnetic information and provide important knowledge concerning the recent history of the Earth's magnetic field.

scholarly journals On the Primordial Condensation and Accretion Environment and the Remanent Magnetization of Meteorites

1971 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 311-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aviva Brecher
Keyword(s):  
Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Rock Magnetism ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Natural Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Parent Body ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Consistent Model ◽  
Magnetic Remanence ◽  
Condensation Growth ◽  
Theoretical Results

Attention is drawn to the fact that neither astronomical observations, nor laboratory data can, as yet, sufficiently constrain models of the origin and evolution of the solar system. But, if correctly approached and interpreted, the magnetic remanence of meteorites could help in constructing a self-consistent model.In the context of various models for the early evolution of a solar nebula, the possible roles assigned to ambient magnetic fields and the paleointensities required to establish the stable natural remanent magnetization (NRM in range 10-4 to 10-1 cgsm) observed in meteorites, are discussed. It is suggested that the record of paleofields present during condensation, growth, and accumulation of grains is likely to have been preserved as chemical (CRM) or thermochemical (TCRM) remanence in unaltered meteoritic material. This interpretation of the meteoritic NRM is made plausible by experimental and theoretical results from the contiguous fields of rock magnetism, magnetic materials, interstellar grains, etc. Several arguments (such as the anisotropy of susceptibility in chondrites, suggesting alignment of elongated ferromagnetic grains, or the characteristic sizes and morphology of carrier phases of remanence, etc.) as well as general evidence from meteoritics (cooling rates, chemical and mineralogical data) can be used to challenge the interpretation of NRM as thermo-remanence (TRM) acquired on a “planetary” parent body during cooling of magnetic mineral phases through the Curie point in fields of 0.2 to 0.9 Oe.Fine-particle theories appear adequate for treating meteoritic remanence, if models based on corresponding types of permanent magnet materials, e.g., powder-ferrites for chondrites; diffusion hardened alloys for iron meteorites, are adopted, as suggested here.Finally, a potentially fruitful sequence of experiments is suggested for separating the useful component of NRM in determining the paleofield intensity and its time evolution.

THERMOMAGNETIC ANALYSIS AND ORE GENESIS

1967 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 1119-1125
Author(s):  
E. J. Schwarz
Keyword(s):  
Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Rock Magnetism ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Natural Remanent Magnetization ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Ore Genesis ◽  
Thermomagnetic Analysis ◽  
Stable Part ◽  
Physical Changes ◽  
Genesis Of Ore Deposits

The potential of rock magnetism in studies on the genesis of ore deposits is examined. It is suggested that techniques based on magnetic properties other than the direction of the stable part of the natural remanent magnetization might prove usefully applicable. More specifically the analysis of the type of remanent magnetization in ores and their wall rocks is suggested as a worthwhile approach in the study of ore genesis. Other methods suggested are based on the occurrence of chemical or physical changes affecting ferromagnetic minerals in ores during heating. It may be possible to relate the results of such experiments to the thermal conditions prevailing at the time of either formation of minerals in ore deposits or acquisition of stable remanent magnetization.

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