detrital remanent magnetization

physics

Also known as: DRM, depositional remanent magnetization

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June 25, 2026

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Detrital remanent magnetization (DRM) is a type of permanent magnetism found in rocks. It occurs when small magnetic mineral grains settle into a sedimentary matrix. It is hypothesized that these tiny grains align themselves with the Earth's magnetic field during deposition, before the rock is fully consolidated. This acquired magnetism is thought to persist even as the rock is altered and compacted later. DRM is a specific form of depositional remanent magnetization (DRM), which is acquired by clastic sediments as fine particles settle in water bodies. The Earth's magnetic field influences the orientation of these grains, creating a preferred direction of magnetization.12

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remanent magnetism
…into a sedimentary matrix, producing detrital remanent magnetism. It is hypothesized that the tiny grains orient themselves in the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field during deposition and before the final consolidation of the rock. The magnetism thus introduced appears to persist through later alteration and compaction of the rock,…
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…into a sedimentary matrix, producing detrital remanent magnetism. It is hypothesized that the tiny grains orient themselves in the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field during deposition and before the final consolidation of the rock. The magnetism thus introduced appears to persist through later alteration and compaction of the rock,…
Read More

rock
Types of remanent magnetization
DRM (depositional, or detrital, remanent magnetization) is formed in clastic sediments when fine particles are deposited on the floor of a body of water. Marine sediments, lake sediments, and some clays can acquire DRM. The Earth’s magnetic field aligns the grains, yielding a preferred direction of magnetization.
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DRM (depositional, or detrital, remanent magnetization) is formed in clastic sediments when fine particles are deposited on the floor of a body of water. Marine sediments, lake sediments, and some clays can acquire DRM. The Earth’s magnetic field aligns the grains, yielding a preferred direction of magnetization.
Read More