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Volcanic Rocks of Morocco Reveal Rhythmic Patterns and Internal Transformations That Shaped the Magnetic Field
Volcanic rocks from southern Morocco, formed about 560 million years ago, record that the Earth’s magnetic field followed cycles of weakening and reorganization. These cycles occurred instead of random variations. Additionally, the data indicate very rapid changes, which redefines hypotheses about the internal dynamics of the planet, according to scientists from Yale University in the United States.
According to research published on October 13, 2025, in the journal Science Advances, the rocks of the Ouarzazate Group in the Moroccan Anti-Atlas preserve minerals such as magnetite and hematite. These minerals show standardized magnetic orientations, revealing a regular rhythm in the behavior of the magnetic field. Thus, the researchers found that the Earth’s magnetic field had a defined rhythm, revealing a more complex internal structure during the Ediacaran Period (630–541 million years ago).
Ancient Rocks Reveal Ordered Behavior of Earth’s Magnetism
Between 568 and 562 million years ago, these rocks recorded intense and rapid changes, occurring in thousands, not millions, of years. Thus, it became clear that pole reversals were not caused by continental movement. They resulted from deep alterations in the planet’s core.
David Evans, a geophysics professor at Yale and the lead researcher, explained that the team reinterpreted the data using high-resolution statistical and stratigraphic techniques. This approach revealed hidden patterns in previous measurements. According to him, “the rocks show an organized temporal structure, not the magnetic chaos that was previously imagined”.
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Magnetic Field Oscillated Rapidly During the Ediacaran
During this period, the Earth’s magnetic field was up to ten times weaker than it is today. This finding raised questions about how the planet managed to maintain its atmosphere and protect itself from solar radiation.
However, new measurements indicate that this weakness was linked to the formation of a solid inner core. This process released heat and energy, which changed the convection of the liquid outer core, responsible for the Earth’s magnetic dynamo.
Consequently, the planet went through alternating cycles of weakening and strengthening. This movement continued until it reached the current stability, which allows for the protection of the atmosphere and the development of complex life.
Discovery Redefines the Magnetic and Tectonic Evolution of the Earth
According to the study, similar patterns may have occurred in other eras, such as in the Devonian and the Upper Jurassic. These events possibly repeated every 200 million years. This suggests that the magnetic field follows long-term cycles, rather than random behavior.
As a result, scientists believe that if this sequence is confirmed, it will be possible to create a continuous model of the tectonic and magnetic evolution of the planet. This model would cover billions of years of Earth history.
Evans emphasizes: “Understanding these oscillations is essential to reconstruct the planet’s trajectory.” This understanding connects ancient records to current ones, allowing for insight into the past, present, and future of the Earth.
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