February 24, 2026

[Press Release] Missing geomagnetic reversals in the geomagnetic reversal history

fig

Reversal frequency model and ocean floor structure map.
The detailed geomagnetic reversal frequency model reconstructed in this study, geomagnetic polarity time scale (drawn using data from Ogg, 2020, Geologic Time Scale 2020, Elsevier), and the Earth's ocean floor structure map with ages of missing reversals (drawn using data from Müller et al., 2019, Tectonics). The colored bands indicate the ocean floor at times when high-resolution surveys are needed to detect missing geomagnetic reversals.
Image credit: ©Yutaka Yoshimura
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Usage restrictions: News organizations may use or redistribute this image, with proper attribution, as part of news coverage of this paper only.

Release Summary

Several studies have predicted that not all geomagnetic reversals have been discovered, but it was unknown in which periods they might be hidden. The researchers led by the National Institute of Polar Research used a statistical method called adaptive kernel density estimation to model the frequency of geomagnetic reversals at high temporal resolution. Based on the model, they proposed that undiscovered reversals may be hidden in four periods after the Cretaceous Normal Superchron.

For Details (Eurekalert!)

Information of the paper

  • Title: Evidence for missing geomagnetic reversals from geomagnetic reversal frequency model using adaptive kernel density estimation
  • Authors: Yutaka Yoshimura, Masakazu Fujii, Hideitsu Hino, Shotaro Akaho, Satoshi Kuriki, Osamu Ishizuka, Toshitsugu Yamazaki, Hyeon-Seon Ahn, Tesfaye Kidane, Yuhji Yamamoto, Yo-ichiro Otofuji
  • Journal: Geophysical Research Letters
  • DOI: 10.1029/2025GL120557

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