A >70‐Myr‐Long Geomagnetic Field Reversal Hyperactivity Across the Ediacaran‐Cambrian Transition
Abstract The long‐term variation of the geomagnetic field is a key constraint for unraveling the geodynamo processes and the evolution of Earth's deep interior. However, the geomagnetic reversal pattern during the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition remains elusive. Here we present an integrated magneto‐ and cyclo‐stratigraphic study of a ∼1.8‐Myr‐long, late Ediacaran succession in Newfoundland, Canada. We obtained a reversal frequency of 10–12 Myr −1 , documenting a hyperactively reversing geodynamo during the late Ediacaran. Together with the updated reversal records and paleointensity data sets, we propose a >70‐Myr‐long interval of geomagnetic reversal hyperactivity before the Ordovician Reversed Superchron, forming a hyperactivity‐superchron couplet that recurs in the mid‐Paleozoic and Mesozoic. These findings suggest that the onset of the ∼200‐Myr‐long cycle in geomagnetic field behavior has occurred since at least ∼570 Ma, earlier than previously envisaged.
Authors
- Zongmin Zhu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0193-5038)
- Zheng Gong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9482-5545)
- Bin Wen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7577-2967)
- P. J. A. McCausland (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3030-7524)
- Fuyun Shen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7005-8318)
- Fangzheng Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0429-2560)
- Jingyi Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4836-2211)
Institutions
- Western University (CA)
- Planetary Science Institute (US)
- China University of Geosciences (CN)
- Yale University (US)
- Nanjing University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Geophysical Research Letters
- Published
- 2025-12-07
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gl118030
- Primary Topic
- Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Yale University
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- National Science and Technology Major Project
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- National Key Research and Development Program of China