Research
Long term geomagnetic evolution and links with Earth history
Palaeomagnetic records may be unique in the Earth sciences in giving us direct observational evidence regarding deep internal processes occurring back into deep geological time. The Earth's magnetic field exhibits clear variations on timescales of millions and even billions of years that signify changing conditions in the planet's core and mantle. Prof Biggin's research is focused on documenting these variations and explaining them in terms of mantle dynamics and core evolution. His research group is developing palaeomagnetism as a tool for telling us, not only about fluid flow in the outer core, but also about mantle convection from the bottom-up through documenting and interpreting its influence on the geodynamo.
The secular variation of Earth's magnetic field
The geomagnetic field's strength and morphology has varied considerably even on the timescales of human history. The field is presently weakening at a rate of a few percent per century leaving our technology increasingly vulnerable to harsh space weather events. Studies of recent variations can tell us about the dynamics of the geodynamo processes operating the Earth's core and additionally warn us about how the field may change in the near future. Prof Biggin's research spans the study of archaeological materials dating from the last few thousands of years alongside ancient igneous rocks. The aim is to recover records of geomagnetic field variations which can be compared to models of field behaviour.
Integration of paleomagnetic data and geodynamo simulations
The DEEP research group performs pioneering work at the interface between numerical models of the geodynamo and palaeomagnetic records of its behaviour through time. This interdisciplinary research helps yields two way benefits - developing powerful tools to aid in the interpretation of palaeomagnetic data while simultaneously testing, constraining and improving the realism of the models themselves.
Research groups
Research grants
Palaeomagnetic field behaviour in the Palaeozoic and the hunt for inner core birth
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL
May 2023 - August 2026
DEEP down under: The potential for UK-Australian Palaeomagnetism to contribute to a new paradigm in deep Earth studies
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL
October 2018 - December 2019
Determining Earth Evolution from Palaeomagnetism
LEVERHULME TRUST (UK)
August 2017 - March 2024
How strong and variable was the Earth’s magnetic field in the Palaeozoic?
ROYAL SOCIETY (CHARITABLE)
September 2015 - August 2017
Phanerozoic palaeomagnetic variations and their implications for the Earth's deep interior
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL
December 2016 - September 2021
Stochastic optimisation of absolute geomagnetic palaeointensity determinations
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL
January 2009 - May 2014
Characterising the fluid dynamics of magma-filled fractures: Constraints from analogue experiments and palaeomagnetism
ROYAL SOCIETY
April 2014 - April 2015
Very long timescale variations in the palaeomagnetic record and the evolution of the Earth's deep interior
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL
December 2010 - June 2014
Was the Earth's magnetic field weak in the Late Devonian?
ROYAL SOCIETY (CHARITABLE)
March 2014 - June 2014
2G Model 755 Superconducting Rock Magnetometer with in-line AF demagnetiser
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL
December 2013 - June 2016