Inverse problem of paleomagnetic reconstruction: formulation

Abstract

A new method of reconstruction is proposed based on the geophysical inverse theory, in which models are evaluated by the combined effects of misfit and penalty, the latter being given by some physical reasoning. The method is formulated and the applied to the simple two-plate problem of the opening of the North Atlantic. Although the reconstruction looks reasonable, there is certain discrepancy between the obtained model and the Bullard et al. fit of Europe and North America. The reason for this discrepancy as well as other practical problems in obtaining the reconstructions are discussed. -from Authors