Decay of the virtual dipole moment during polarity transitions and geomagnetic excursions

We have analyzed paleointensity data from five polarity transitions and geomagnetic excursions recorded by lava flows. We find a significant correlation between the logarithm of the virtual dipole moment and the angle between the virtual geomagnetic pole and the Earth's rotation axis. This correlation implies that any physical model for geomagnetic field behavior during transitions and excursions must address the question of how changes in direction are linked to changes in intensity. In addition, large changes in paleointensity may occur even when the virtual geomagnetic pole is still at high latitude so the concept of transitional direction must be redefined.