Ragnarok -Decoded: A Symbolic Framework for Geomagnetic Reversal

In: Ivan Šprajc and Peter Pehani (eds), Ancient cosmologies and modern prophets. Proceedings of the SEAC 2012 conference. Ljubljana: Slovene Anthropological Society (= Anthropological Notebooks year XIX, supplement), 67-83., 2013

The last three decades have seen a growing awareness that the planet Earth and human civilizations might be much more threatened by extraterrestrial objects than previously thought. It has been suggested on many occasions that the course of human prehistory has been remarkably shaped by big meteorite impacts, airbursts of meteoroids, or the load of the atmosphere with cosmic dust. Myths and motifs are interpreted to encode information of such events. This article brings to the fore a series of essential methodological steps which may strengthen such interpretations.

Cosmological Perspectives on dating Grímnismál 26-28 introduction the present article will address the still-debated question of whether the Eddic poem Grímnismál in its present form should be dated to the late pagan period or rather to the 12 th /13 th century - a question which has important ramifications for the value of this poem for the reconstruction of pre-Christian Norse mythology, although it cannot be precluded (and may indeed be likely) that the poem is composed of different strata with differing dates (cf. Zimmermann 2006: 46; hale 1983: 165, 182-184). in order to gain a new perspective on this question, the following discussion will centre on the description of the stag Eikþyrnir and its surroundings in Grímnismál 26-28. these stanzas present a tableau of striking Egeler, M., dr., Violet Campbell research fellow, st Catharine's College, Cambridge University, United Kingdom. "Eikþyrnir and the rivers of Paradise. Cosmological Perspectives on dating Grímnismál 26-28". ANF 128 (2013), pp. 17-39. Abstract: the present article discusses the dating of stanzas 26-28 of the Eddic poem Grímnismál. to date, scholarly opinion is still fundamentally divided on the question of whether the Grímnismál are a product of the late pagan period or of learned Christian literature, or even whether a resolution to this question is at all possible. a new approach to the problem is offered here for stanzas 26-28 of the poem, which present a description of the stag Eikþyrnir, the world tree and the origin of the world's rivers. a comparison of the imagery of these stanzas with cosmological concepts current in 12 th century ecclesiastical literature and Christian iconography shows that the tableau described in Grímnismál 26-28 closely corresponds to Christian concepts and motifs which were widespread during this period. the detailed nature of this correspondence suggests that the poet of these stanzas was deliberately playing with Christian motifs, which in turn implies that the composition of at least this section of the Grímnismál should probably be placed in the context of high medieval Christian culture rather than being ascribed to the late pagan period. in addition, an appendix critically discusses the hypothesis that the description of Valhalla in Grímnismál 23 is derived from that of the Colosseum, as suggested by Olsen (1931/32), Dronke (2011) and lassen (2011).

2004

High resolution magnetic analysis has been performed on the top 25 m of core MD99-2275 (66°33.06'N, 17°41.59'W; 440 m water depth) taken with the R. V. Marion Dufresne from the mid- outer shelf off North Iceland. This is a key boundary region for climate changes related to atmospheric and oceanographic variations, influenced by the moving limit between the cold and

Journal of Geophysical Research, 2003

1] We present a paleomagnetic record of the C27n-C26r ($60.9 Ma) geomagnetic polarity reversal (GPR) sampled in two separate lava sequences in the Vaigat Formation, west Greenland flood basalt province. The two profiles, distanced 16 km apart, consist of 45 and 35 sampled lava flows of which 31 and 23, respectively, record transitional field directions. A prominent feature of each profile is the presence of successive flows with similar paleomagnetic directions, which based on geological, geochemical, and paleomagnetic evidences are interpreted to represent flow fields (i.e., lavas erupted in a short period of time) rather than periods when the geomagnetic field stood still. Multimodel photogrammetry shows that the typical flow length of Vaigat Formation picritic lavas is <2 km, which explains why flow-to-flow correlation of paleomagnetic directions between the two profiles (16 km apart) is not possible. The two profiles therefore record different and independent time series of the same GPR, allowing us to cast light on some of the questions that have arisen from single records. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the two high-resolution paleomagnetic records share no general trends, clearly indicating that the C27n-C26r transitional field was more complex and faster changing than can be resolved by either record. In addition, we obtained stable polarity paleomagnetic data from both pretransitional C27n and posttransitional C26r yielding a paleomagnetic pole latitude 64.8°N, longitude 141.5°E (N = 14, K = 19.8, A 95 = 9.2°) that passes reversal test. The C27n-C26r geomagnetic polarity reversal recorded in the west Greenland flood basalt province: How complex is the transitional field?,

Precambrian Research, 1992

Piper, J.D.A., 1992. The palaeomagnetism of major (Middle Proterozoic) igneous complexes, South Greenland and the Gardar apparent polar wander track. Precambrian Res., 54:153-172. The Gardar Province comprises a major rift-related igneous suite emplaced in three pulses at ca. 1300-1280 Ma, ca. 1220 Ma and 1160-1125 Ma. This study reports a palaeomagnetic study of the northeastern sector of the present outcrop and incorporates igneous units belonging to the first and last episodes. Early lavas from the basal part of the rift infill record a reversal of magnetisation and define a palaeomagnetic pole at 207°E, 10°N (5 sites, dp/dm = 7/14 °). This primary magnetisation record has been partially overprinted in the aureoles of large alkaline complexes. The latter plutons include the North Qoroq intrusion (1291 _61 Ma) yielding a pole position at 203°E, 13°N (65 samples from 12 sites, dp/dm=6/12 °), the Motzfeldt intrusion (1291 _+ 3lMa) yielding a pole position at 212°E, 10°N (25 samples, dp/dm=6/ 12 °), and the Narssarssuaq Stock yielding a pole position at 207 ° E, 9 °N (23 samples, dp/dm = 4/7 °). The younger South Qoroq complex (l 160 _+ 8 Ma) yields a pole position at 216 ° E, 42 ° N (67 samples from 9 sites, dp/dm = 11 / 16 °). Positive contact tests indicate primary cooling-related magnetisations. These bodies are predominantly of single polarity equivalent to W+ directions of magnetisations although reversals are recorded. The majority of a suite of NE-SW trending dykes emplaced at ca. I 154-1143 Ma are magnetised in a similar direction [ D/I = 283/51 °, pole position at 231 ° E, 33 °N (18 dykes, dp/dm = 5/7 °) ] to the slightly-older South Qoroq complex. Together with earlier results from the Gardar Province, these data define a motion of the region from shallow to equatorial and then back to intermediate palaeolatitudes between 1290 and 1140 Ma. Pole positions trace out an apparent polar wander path comprising a small loop followed by a long track. This track is the outward path of the "Great Logan" palaeomagnetic loop for which data from the Keweenawan Province of North America (ca. 1100-1050 Ma) define the return path. The loop was executed between ca. 1200 and 1050 Ma following a near-static interval between ca. 1290 and 1200 Ma. This long static interval was also characterised by constant field polarity. Asymmetry of geomagnetic field reversals is recognised in early Gardar events; it is not apparent in younger Gardar data although it recurs in Keweenawan times.

Jökull

We have mapped a well-exposed composite profile through the lava pile in the western part of the Skarðsheiði mountain, and made detailed laboratory measurements of paleomagnetic remanence directions in oriented samples from 92 lava sites from this profile. The lower 55 lavas or so consist of a partially recorded normal-polarity zone, overlain by a thick reverse-polarity zone. The latter which includes a series of porphyritic lavas, was named R5 by Einarsson (1957). The upper part of our profile contains a normal-polarity sequence of about 20 flows (N5 of Einarsson) and a partially recorded reverse zone. Franzson (1978) and others have correlated the R5-N5 boundary with a similar boundary in the Akrafjall mountain and with the transition between the Gilbert and Gauss geomagnetic chrons. We have also sampled 29 lavas in two shorter profiles farther east in Skarðsheiði, at the boundary between the R5 and N5 polarity zones. We confirm the observation of Wilson et al. (1972) and Kristjánsson and Sigurgeirsson (1993) that several lava flows with transitional directions occur at this boundary at the northern side of the mountain. Only a few such flows are found on the south slopes of Skarðsheiði. At least three short geomagnetic excursions are recorded in the R5 zone. The lava flows are good material for paleomagnetic direction measurements, although hydrothermal alteration has affected the lowest part of the composite profile. Their average direction is quite similar to the axial dipole field as expected. Thermomagnetic tests on several samples indicate that they are not very suitable for paleointensity studies.

Chicago : Religio-Philosophical Publishing House + S. S. Jones, Proprietor and The New Alexandria Library of Texas , 1871

This extremely rare book on deep spiritual Cosmological aspects is a work proposing an alternative theory about the physical structure of the Earth, emphasizing spiritual and scientific intersections. It is presented as a philosophical exploration into the nature of the Earth and the universe, challenging prevailing scientific theories of its time, such as the igneous theory of Earth's formation and the principles of gravitation. Overview of the Book’s Themes: • Hollow Earth Theory: Central to the book is the hypothesis that the Earth is hollow and that there is a temperate and habitable polar region, contrary to traditional geoscientific models. The book discusses natural phenomena like the Gulf Stream, the Maelstrom, and coral formation to argue for an open polar sea. • Volcanology and Seismology: Chapters on volcanoes and earthquakes critique existing scientific explanations, proposing alternative causes rooted in spiritual and electro-magnetic forces. • Material and Spiritual Forces: The book explores the relationship between material and spiritual particles, suggesting that spiritual entities may influence physical forces. This reflects a blend of scientific speculation and metaphysical ideas. • Gravitation and Celestial Mechanics: Lyon critiques the mainstream views of gravitation proposed by Newton and others, arguing for a spiritual dimension to physical forces and presenting an alternative explanation for phenomena like tides and planetary motions. • Cosmic Development: The book delves into theories of planetary and solar evolution, disputing the nebular hypothesis and suggesting that planets and celestial bodies develop through inherent powers and spiritual influences. • The Role of Spiritual Beings: A provocative claim is that worlds are constructed by the spirits inhabiting planets, challenging the traditional notion of a singular divine creator and assigning finite beings the task of cosmic construction. • The Moon and Planetary Satellites: Lyon addresses the origin of the Moon and its connection to geological and glacial periods, proposing that moons are necessary satellites created through spiritual and natural processes. • Vision and Perception: The final chapter reflects on the limits of human vision and understanding, suggesting that spiritual and material organisms perceive the world differently, and that thoughts and ideas have material existence. Contents in Context: • Historical Context: The book starts by contextualizing its theories within historical events like European colonial expansion, the Mexican War, and the abolition of slavery, linking these milestones to the need for expanding human understanding of the Earth. • Role of Spiritual Beings: Detailed discussions on the Gulf Stream, polar conditions, volcanoes, and earthquakes provide a framework for Lyon’s alternative Earth model. • Metaphysical Elements: A substantial part of the book integrates spiritual forces and metaphysical entities into explanations for natural phenomena, offering an eclectic mix of science and mysticism. • Scientific Critique: The book critiques existing scientific paradigms, aiming to reconcile material observations with spiritual explanations. Impact and Relevance: The work represents a 19th-century example of speculative cosmology, blending scientific inquiry with metaphysical speculation. While the Hollow Earth theory is not supported by modern science, this book serves as an artifact of an era when spiritualism and alternative theories flourished as counterpoints to the rapid development of mainstream scientific thought. CONTENTS BELOW WITH QUICK SUMMARIES : 1. Introduction Sets the stage for the book's exploration of Earth's physical conformation, introducing the spiritual and scientific themes of the work. 2. Scraps of History • Historical Evolution: Highlights how history shapes its own development. • Event Progression: Discusses pivotal events as precursors to transformative societal changes. • European Context: Analyzes Europe’s state during the discovery of America. • Mexican War and Gold Rush: Links these events to territorial expansion. • Slavery’s End: Explores the social and moral implications of its abolition. • Emigration and Territory: Examines population movements and the demand for more land. 3. The Open Polar Sea • Polar Clime: Suggests the existence of temperate regions at the poles. • Ocean Currents: Focuses on the Kuro Siwo and its role in climate. • Scientific Doubts: Critiques insufficient evidence for polar ice caps. • Northern Mysteries: Discusses phenomena like the Gulf Stream and Maelstrom. • Causal Analysis: Investigates localized causes of the open polar sea. 4. The Igneous Theory • Theory Overview: Challenges the concept of a molten Earth core. • Temperature Observations: Examines inconsistent geothermal trends. • Material Imbalance: Questions the feasibility of housing immense molten material. • Coal Formation: Proposes alternative explanations for coal genesis. • Negative Elements: Highlights the necessity of balancing active and inert forces. 5. Volcanoes • Scientific Debate: Reflects on diverse opinions about extinct and active volcanoes. • Eruption Substances: Examines materials ejected during eruptions. • Energy Sources: Questions the adequacy of conventional explanations for volcanic heat. 6. Earthquakes • Insufficient Theories: Critiques prevailing scientific views on earthquakes. • Extent vs. Cause: Argues that widespread effects don’t confirm internal fire origins. • Electro-Magnetic Role: Proposes this force as a primary cause of seismic activity. 7. Material and Spiritual Forces • World’s Origin: Considers the spiritual source of Earth’s creation. • Elemental Comparison: Discusses power dynamics between different elements. • Spiritual Particles: Explores their relationship with material forces. • Aura and Empyria: Introduces ethereal concepts as driving forces in nature. • Entity Hypothesis: Suggests forces might be spiritual beings. 8. Gravitation • Reevaluation of Gravity: Reconsiders its role in natural phenomena. • Newtonian Views: Examines and critiques traditional gravitational theories. • Tidal Forces: Argues that gravity isn’t responsible for tidal effects. • New Deductions: Proposes fresh interpretations of gravity’s function. 9. The Sun and Its Influences • Light and Heat: Challenges popular theories on solar energy. • Outer Planets: Suggests these are not reliant on the Sun for warmth. • Electro-Magnetic Model: Explores the Sun as part of a massive energy system. 10. Inherent Powers • Latent Potential: Argues all bodies contain elements of advanced development. • Celestial Motion: Describes worlds and animals as locomotives powered by inherent energy. • Lighting the Interior: Proposes methods for illuminating a hollow Earth. • Nebular Theory Rejection: Critiques La Place's hypothesis as unnatural. 11. Who Are the World Builders? • Creation Reconsidered: Suggests finite beings construct worlds. • Spiritual Labor: Attributes world-building to spirit inhabitants of planets. • Critique of Divinity: Questions the notion of a sole divine creator handling all creation. 12. The Moon • Formation Link: Ties lunar creation to glacial and drift periods. • Need for Satellites: Discusses the necessity of moons for planetary stability. • Granite Dissolution: Proposes a process for dissolving and reconstructing Earth materials. 13. Vision • Human Limits: Explores unseen realms beyond human perception. • Spiritual Sight: Highlights the advanced sensory capabilities of spiritual beings. • Material Ideas: Argues thoughts and ideas possess tangible materiality. • Deceptive World: Reflects on how humans are often misled by their limited senses. Tags - Hollow Earth, polar regions, alternative geology, spiritual forces, materialism, cosmology, electro-magnetism, volcanoes, earthquakes, igneous theory, polar seas, Kuro Siwo, historical cycles, tides, gravitation, Newton, geology, coal formation, aura, empyria, world-building, finite creators, celestial mechanics, spiritual vision, lunar origins, planetary formation, tidal phenomena, open polar sea, ocean currents, geological mysteries, spiritual cosmology, universal forces, material-spiritual link, solar theories, celestial locomotion, metaphysics, geological critiques, electromagnetic Earth, polar warmth, Maelstrom, volcanic substances, tectonics, celestial energy, cosmic order, divine mechanics, latent energy, spirit entities, nebular critique, material particles, Earth's interior, etheric forces, satellite formation, lunar evolution, spiritual perception, cosmic dynamics, geological balance, energy dynamics, celestial illumination, spiritual vibrations, planetary shifts, elemental forces, universe structure, ethereal mechanics, celestial cycles, metaphysical geology, cosmic forces, auric fields, terrestrial mysteries, material-spiritual unity, seismic phenomena, fire theory, crustal mysteries, polar tides, world origins, interior worlds, mineral essence, cosmic evolution, finite wisdom, planetary builders, gravity revision, force interactions, metaphysical energy, spiritual insights, invisible realms, tectonic events, solar energy, Earth's forces, unseen worlds, magnetic Earth, planetary development, etheric vision, celestial interactions, cosmic balance, universal dynamics, crustal analysis, volcanic energy, planetary cycles, metaphysical insights, celestial formations, elemental balance, etheric vibrations, cosmic systems, geological interpretations, spiritual realms, auric energy, tectonic mysteries, solar influence, polar mysteries, gravitational critique, planetary mysteries, electromagnetic forces, auric waves, cosmic vibrations, geological forces, metaphysical realms, polar exploration, Earth energy, spiritual order, cosmic light, auric patterns, planetary interactions, metaphysical balance, celestial mysteries, force theories, cosmic dynamics, spiritual essence, magnetic phenomena, ethereal vibrations, unive...

Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 2011

Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, 2006

We present four new records of the Iceland Basin Excursion (IBE) and five new records of the Laschamp Excursion (LE) obtained from rapidly deposited marine sediments in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Nordic Seas, the Gulf of Mexico, the South China Sea, and the southern Indian Ocean. Marked minima in relative paleointensity correspond with the paleomagnetic directional changes associated with all of the excursion records. The virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) paths of the four IBE records are all similar. The VGPs move southward over Europe and Africa, reaching the southern hemisphere (three reach Antarctica), and then move to more eastern longitudes before returning northward over Australia and east Asia, describing a large counterclockwise loop. The same VGP pattern is observed in other published records. The VGP paths observed for the LE are similar to those of the IBE; however, they loop clockwise instead of counterclockwise. Despite the different sense of looping, the marked similarity among the paths for the two excursions suggests that a similar, relatively simple geometry dominated the transitional field during both the IBE and the LE. Similar dynamo mechanisms must therefore have been active in the Earth's core for both excursions. The duration of the excursions is estimated at <2,000 years, which supports the suggestion that a difference exists between the mechanisms for excursions and reversals. However, the coincidence of the longitudinal bands for VGPs associated with excursions compared to some reversal paths could also indicate an inherent link between the mechanisms for reversals and excursions.

2005

Tromsø Geophysical Observatory Reports is a series intended as a medium for publishing documents that are not suited for publication in refereed journals, but that Tromsø Geophysical Observatory nevertheless wishes to make accessible to a wider readership than the local staff. The topics of the reports will be within, or at least related to, the disciplines of the Observatory: geomagnetism and upper atmosphere physics, the history of these included. The language will primarily be English.