Have you ever wondered how to explain to your friends and acquaintances what you specialize in within your scientific field? And have you tried to convey why this niche topic is incredibly exciting and has a direct connection to everyday life?

This book addresses exactly that: it invites you to take a closer look at our environment without getting lost in technical details, but rather to understand the underlying principles. It brings you closer to the world of paleo- and rock magnetism, regardless of whether your understanding of geology revolves around moving tectonic plates, dinosaurs, and rocks.

The book takes you on an entertaining journey from the global phenomena of the Earth's magnetic field down to the subatomic level of electron movements in minerals. It provides selected geological scenarios for dynamic geological processes of our Earth system, from the formation of rocks in calm lakes to mountain building. No mathematical formulas are required for understanding, although terms like paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, coordinate transformations, and anisotropy need to be explained. The book uses vivid analogies from everyday life to make complex issues comprehensible.

A successful introduction to the fascinating world of paleo- and rock magnetism in geology for interested laypeople, amateur geologists, geoscientists, and related disciplines.

The Author

Privatdozent Dr. Michael Urbat is a geologist who has dedicated nearly three decades to the magnetic properties of rocks. Several research fellowships have taken him to universities in the USA, the Netherlands, and aboard international research vessels. After completing his habilitation at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Cologne, he held a professorship there for several years.