Magnetic anisotropy reflects mineral alignment, and is widely used to interpret dynamic processes, including emplacement and tectonic deformation. Magnetic anisotropy influences magnetization direction and intensity, affecting paleomagnetic and paleointensity studies. Significant advances have been made in identifying and isolating complex superposed fabrics carried by different minerals; however, even in systems dominated by a single process, differing mineralogies and particle size/shape distributions give rise to variations in magnetic anisotropy. Additionally, alteration or tectonic overprints may change the primary mineral fabric and lead to formation of secondary phases. An accurate description of the anisotropy and its carriers are key prior to any interpretation or anisotropy-based correction.

This session welcomes contributions on the physical origin of magnetic fabrics, and applications to geologic, environmental and paleomagnetic studies, especially method developments, cross-calibration with other fabric methods, assessment of paleomagnetic data-quality, and corrections of both directions and intensity.