The Neil Opdyke Paleomagnetic Laboratory
Paleomagnetism, Geomagnetism, and Rock & Environmental Magnetism
at the University of Florida
What kind of interesting research goes on here?
Paleomagnetism
We study the ancient magnetization recorded in rocks from around the globe in an effort to establish ancient paleogeography and assess the tempo of plate tectonics. Courtney Sprain and Joe Meert (PI’s)
Geomagnetism
Studies focused on the generation, intensity and history of the Geomagnetic field. Courtney Sprain, Rob Hatfield and Joe Meert (PI’s)
Rock & Environmental Magnetism
Investigation of magnetic mineralogy and its use in monitoring climate and environmental changes on land and in the ocean (R. Hatfield, PI)
Stratigraphy & Geochronology
We use the magnetostratigraphic record preserved in rocks and sediments to understand geochronology over a range of timescales. (Joe Meert, Rob Hatfield and Courtney Sprain (PI’s)
News From the UF Pmag Lab
Dr. Joseph Meert: Pangea’s little brother gets a promotion. Sept. 2026
- Dr. Courtney Sprain: K-P Impact brings more stable environment. Sept 2025.
- Dr. Robert Hatfield: Documentary on Greenland research August 2025.
- Dr. Courtney Sprain wins Sloan Research Fellowship
- Dr. Robert Hatfield’s Greenland research featured in recent documentary. 2024.
Dr. Joseph Meert: A History of Earth’s Supercontinents: January 2024 - Why do people live in a crater?– VOX story on the Cretaceous Ambohiby Massif with J. Meert December 2023.
- American Geophysical Union– Dr. Courtney Sprain wins William Gilbert Award 2022.
- UF News– Climate Change in Alpine Regions
- Nature World News– Dickinsonia in India turns out to be something else!
- UF News– Fossil re-writes Indian history
- National Geographic– True polar wander and the demise of the Yanliao biota in China.