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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/D522203/1

(MICROMAGN) Magnetism and microstructure: from the nanometre to the planetary scale.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor RJ Harrison, University of Cambridge, Earth Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Professor R Dunin-Borkowski, Technical University of Denmark, Unlisted
Science Area:
Earth
Overall Classification:
Earth
ENRIs:
Natural Resource Management
Science Topics:
Planetary science
Properties Of Earth Materials
Abstract:
Small particles of magnetic minerals in naturally occurring rocks are able to store information about how the Earth's magnetic field has changed throughout history, over geological timescales. This property results from the sizes, shapes and spacings of the magnetic particles within the minerals. In nature, particles of magnetite with diameters of 100-200 nm are the most efficient carriers of magnetic information. Particles of this size can be formed by the subdivision of much larger particles into a 'microstructure' that consists of a three-dimensional arrangement of small magnetic particles separated by non-magnetic material. The details of such microstructures have a fundamental effect on how different minerals store magnetic information. The proposed research project will use experimental electron microscopy techniques to measure the magnetic properties of several mineral samples. The aim of the work is to understand the relationship between the magnetic properties of the minerals at the nanometre length scale and the macroscopic magnetic properties of the Earth and other planets.
Period of Award:
16 Jan 2006 - 15 Jan 2009
Value:
£180,815
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/D522203/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Directed Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed

This grant award has a total value of £180,815  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - StaffTotal - T&STotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect Costs
£92,009£6,184£23,737£58,884

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