MSP-Tool is a VBA-based software tool that evaluates palaeointensity data acquired using the multispecimen protocol (Dekkers and Böhnel, 2006; Fabian and Leonhardt, 2010). It calculates the three ratios according to the commonly adopted protocols, as well as a number of other parameters from Fabian and Leonhardt (2010). Data are analysed using bootstrap statistics. A progressive alteration criterion and the location where the multispecimen linear regression intersects the y axis serve as reliability checks. Furthermore, overprints and misalignment are detected by isolating the NRM remaining and pTRM gained and comparing their declinations and inclinations. The NRM remaining and pTRM gained are used to calculate ‘alignment-corrected’ multispecimen plots. The program was tested on lava samples that had been given a full TRM and that had acquired their pTRMs at angles of 0, 15, 30 and 90° with respect to their NRMs. MSP-Tool adequately detected and largely corrected these artificial alignment errors.
The associated paper has been published in Frontiers in Earth Science. The paper can be downloaded here. The software, as well as several example input files, are in the Electronic Supplement (Data Sheet 2.ZIP in the sidebar) or can be downloaded from this website. The online manual and trouble-shooting pages are currently under construction.
