A geomagnetic polarity time scale for the period 0–17 Ma, based on ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau ages for selected field reversals

Abstract

Utilizing 40 Ar/ 39 Ar plateau ages for selected field reversals at ∼ 1, 2, 10, 16 and 34 Ma, a geomagnetic polarity time scale (GPTS) is constructed, following the technique of Cande and Kent [1992]. This differs markedly from previous GPTS, especially in middle‐late Miocene time; the ages for the chrons in post‐Miocene time are in agreement with values derived by the astrochronological technique. Refinements in this GPTS await acquisition of 40 Ar/ 39 Ar plateau ages for field reversals in the time frames 3–8 Ma and 11–15 Ma.