The influence of physical defects in crystal lattice on the magnetization of real crystals and dependence of structure-sensitive parameters of ferrimagnets on temperature are considered. The course is destined to M. Sc. Rocks are very specific objects from the point of view of magnetism. Natural ferrimagnets exhibit a wide diversity of magnetic properties, their magnetic behavior being further complicated with various possible kinds of defects present in their crystal lattice. Remanent magnetization of rocks, which is the main carrier of palaeomagnetic information, may as well be of different origins and hence exhibit widely diverging properties.
Special attention is given to the magnetic properties of magnetite.
The notion of palaeomagnetic information is introduced and principles of interpretation of palaeomagnetic data and methods of evaluation of the reliability of palaeomagnetic results are considered. Methodology of palaeomagnetic measurements is reviewed as applied for igneous and sedimentary rocks with the emphasis on the peculiarity of various kinds of rocks as palaeomagnetic recorders. Basic postulates of palaeomagnetism are formulated. Methods of archaeo- and palaeomagnetic investigations are reviewed and the results obtained are discussed. Foreign citizens interested in pursuing a Ph. D. study at the Earth's Magnetism Laboratory are strongly advised to contact directly Prof. Vladimir A. Shashkanov .