Reconstructing the Geomagnetic Field in West Africa: First Absolute Intensity Results from Burkina Faso

• DOI: 10.1038/srep45225
• Publication Date: 2017-03-28T13:55:32Z
• Authors: Lisa Kapper; Fabio Donadini; Vincent Serneels; Evdokia Tema; Avto Goguitchaich...; Juan Julio Morales
• Keywords: Absolute (philosophy); Intensity

Abstract We present absolute geomagnetic intensities from iron smelting furnaces discovered at the metallurgical site of Korsimoro, Burkina Faso. Up to now, archaeologists recognized four different types based on construction methods, which were related subsequent time periods. Additionally, radiocarbon ages obtained charcoal confine studied ranging 700–1700 AD, in good agreement with archaeologically determined periods for each type furnace. Archaeointensity results reveal three main groups Arai diagrams. The first two contain specimens either linear diagrams, or slightly curved diagrams phases magnetization. third group encompasses strong zigzag curvature their Specimens accepted after applying selection criteria guarantee high quality results. Our data compared palaeosecular variation curves show a similar decreasing trend between 900–1500 AD. However, they larger amplitudes around 800 AD and 1650 than reference field models. Furthermore, agree well archaeomagnetic Mali Senegal volcanic 1700