Magnetic Anisotropy as an Aid to Identifying CRM and DRM in Red Sedimentary Rocks

To further evaluate the potential of magnetic anisotropy techniques for determining the origin of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) in sedimentary rocks, several new remanence anisotropy measurement techniques were explored. An accurate separation of the remanence anisotropy of magnetite and hematite in the same sedimentary rock sample was the goal.In one technique, Tertiary red and grey sedimentary rock samples from the Orera section (Spain) were exposed to 13 T fields in 9 different orientations. In each orientation, alternating field (af) demagnetization was used to separate the magnetite and hematite contributions of the high field isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM). Tensor subtraction was used to calculate the magnetite and hematite anisotropy tensors. Geologically interpretable fabrics did not result, probably because of the presence of goethite which contributes to the IRM. In the second technique, also applied to samples from Orera, an anisotropy of anhysteretic remanence (AAR) was applied in af fields up to 240 mT to directly measure the fabric of the magnetite in the sample. IRMs applied in 2 T fields followed by 240 mT af demagnetization, and thermal demagnetization at 90°C to remove the goethite contribution, were used to independently measure the hematite fabric in the same samples. This approach gave geologically interpretable results with minimum principal axes perpendicular to bedding, suggesting that the hematite and magnetite grains in the Orera samples both carry a depositional remanent magnetization (DRM). In a third experiment, IRMs applied in 13 T fields were used to measure the magnetic fabric of samples from the Dome de Barrot area (France). These samples had been demonstrated to have hematite as their only magnetic mineral. The fabrics that resulted were geologically interpretable, showing a strong NW-SE horizontal lineation consistent with AMS fabrics measured in the same samples. These fabrics suggest that the rock's remanence may have been affected by strain and could have originated as a DRM or a CRM.Our work shows that it is important to account for the presence of goethite when using high field IRMs to measure the remanence anisotropy of hematite-bearing sedimentary rocks. It also shows that very high magnetic fields (>10 T) may be used to measure the magnetic fabric of sedimentary rocks with highly coercive magnetic minerals without complete demagnetization between each position, provided that the field magnetically saturates the rock.     

钢铁厂周围不同污染介质的磁学性质及环境意义

为了通过钢铁厂周围不同污染介质的磁学性质研究,实现对环境污染的有效监测,本文系统地采集了河北兴隆和湖南娄底两个钢铁厂周围的树皮和草表面的飞灰、土壤及不同树种的年轮样品.其中前三者用来反映现今污染源,而树木年轮用来追踪长时间尺度的污染历史.通过综合岩石磁学实验分析（包括热磁曲线、磁滞性质和低温实验等）、电子扫描电镜(SEM)和能谱(EDX)以及X射线衍射(XRD)分析,发现钢铁厂周围现今污染源中的主要粗颗粒磁性矿物为磁铁矿、赤铁矿和纯铁.其中8~50 μm的球形磁铁矿颗粒和呈棱角状的铁颗粒是钢铁厂污染物的特征磁性矿物.对不同树种来说,其中香樟树和枫树树木年轮中的磁性矿物以顺磁性物质为主, 不适合用于环境磁学的污染监测.而柳树中的磁性矿物（主要为磁铁矿）与现今污染源的磁性矿物相符.以上研究表明多参数岩石磁学测量并辅以微观分析等手段,可以精确地提取磁性矿物的种类及粒度特征, 判别重工业区污染源,为应用磁学方法来监测环境污染提供依据.     

Investigating the ancient Martian magnetic field using microwaves

The new microwave palaeointensity technique has been used to investigate samples from the Martian meteorite Nakhla. This technique is a promising new way to obtain absolute palaeointensity information regarding the ancient Martian magnetic field as recorded by the Martian meteorites. Assuming that a part of the magnetic remanence is of thermal origin and originating on Mars the two samples studied yield estimates of 4 μT for the Martian magnetic field at 1.35 Ga.     

Textural remanence: A new model of lunar rock magnetism

In reexamining the accumulated magnetic data on lunar rocks, several common patterns of magnetic behavior are recognized. Their joint occurrence strongly suggests a new model of lunar rock magnetism, which appeals only to partial preferred textural alignment of the spontaneous moments of magnetic grains, without requiring the existence of ancient lunar magnetic fields. This magnetic fabric, mimetic to locally oriented petrofabric, gives rise to an apparent “textural remanent magnetization” (TXRM). In order to account for the observed intensity of “stable remanence” in lunar rocks, only a minute fraction (10^?3 to 10^?5) of the single-domain iron grains present need be preferentially aligned. Several mechanisms operating on the lunar surface, including shock and diurnal thermal cycling, appear adequate for producing the required type and degree of magnetic alignment in all lunar rock classes. The model is supported by a wide variety of direct and indirect evidence and its predictions (e.g. regarding anisotropic susceptibility and remanence acquisition) can be experimentally tested.     

A new precambrian paleomagnetic pole for northern Europe

A paleomagnetic study was made of the granitic rock farsundite, exposed in southern Norway. An objective was to test the contemporaneity of this body with the neighbouring Egersund anorthosite of presumed age about 900 m.y. Two of the nine sites sampled were rejected, as the magnetization was dominantly unstable. At the seven other sites, this unstable component was either absent or it could be equally well removed by AF or thermal demagnetization: after AF treatment, all samples from these sites were left with a very stable remanence, directed steeply upwards. This magnetization was probably acquired at the time of either emplacement or recrystallization of the farsundite. A magnetic test for anisotropy indicated that the stable remanence is misaligned with the ancient Earth's field direction by about 3°, apparently due to layering of the rock fabric. After correction for this anisotropy, the mean direction from the seven sites is D = 341°, I = 82.2°, k = 142, α = 5.0°, corresponding to a paleomagnetic north pole at 43.3°S, 166.0°W, dp = 9.3°, dm = 9.7°, which lies on Spall's European polar wandering curve. The farsundite pole is not significantly different from a pole position based on the Egersund anorthosite, which supports the supposition that the two rock formations are cogenetic.     

Calibration of magnetic granulometric trends in oceanic basalts

The validity of magnetic granulometric estimates relies heavily on the ability to distinguish ultrafine particles from coarser grains. For example, populations with dominantly superparamagnetic (SP) or multidomain (MD) grains both are characterized by low remanence and coercivity, and distinguishing these endmembers may provide valuable clues to the origin of magnetization in the intervening stable single domain (SD) size range. The natural grain size variations associated with variable cooling rates in submarine lavas provide a rare opportunity for examining progressive changes in average magnetic grain size, from SP–SD mixtures in submarine basaltic glass to SD–MD mixtures in flow interiors. Based on microanalysis and rock magnetic measurements on pillow basalt samples dredged from the flanks of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (ages <1 Ma to 70 Ma), a model of preferential dissolution with time of the finest-grained titanomagnetites has recently been suggested as the major process contributing to long-term temporal changes in remanent intensity of mid-ocean ridge basalts. We evaluated the local and long-term temporal trends in effective magnetic grain size predicted by this model using hysteresis data from a large number of submarine basalt samples which span a range of ages from 0 to 122 Ma. Specimens were systematically taken along transects perpendicular to the chilled margin of each sample. The large number of data (750 loops) and the inferred progressive change in grain size approaching the chilled margin allow recognition of mixing trends between MD and SD grains and between SD and SP grains on a Day-plot. These trends in hysteresis parameters are crucial to resolving the inherent, but frequently overlooked, ambiguity in inferring grain size from hysteresis parameters. We illustrate that two additional rock magnetic tests (warming of a low-temperature isothermal remanence and hysteresis loop shapes) often used to address these ambiguities are inconclusive, requiring some independent knowledge of whether SP or MD grains are likely to be present. Even with a considerably larger data set the substantial intrasample variability in oceanic basalts precludes recognition of any systematic trend in magnetic grain size with age.     

Rock magnetic properties and palaeomagnetic results of sediments from a stone implement layer in the Bose Basin,Guangxi

Directional samples were taken to study rock magnetism and palaeomagnetic records from the Dong- sheng profile, which is 5 m thick and on the northwest edge of the Bose Basin. Mineralogy and rock magnetism of typical samples indicate that coarse granular titanomagnetite, and fine-grained hematite, superparamagnetic maghemite formed by pedogenesis are in the sediment, which has undergone many transformative processes during different stages of pedogenesis. Parallel samples were taken for thermal demagnetization (TH) (0 to 680℃) and alternating field (AF) demagnetization (0 to 80 mT) respectively. Experimental results of these two kinds of demagnetization illustrate that there are two or more magnetic components in the samples. Intensity of NRM decreases by almost 60% to 90% rapidly when the temperature ranges from 100℃ to 350℃, with a steady magnetic component. It is impossible to analyze the magnetic components at high temperature because those fluctuate widely when the temperature is higher than 400℃. Steady magnetic components from 100℃ to 350℃ indicate that the remanence was mainly carried by fine-grained hematite formed by pedogenesis, reflecting a change in the geomagnetic field while the magnetite was being oxidized into hematite by chemical weathering after deposition. The formative age of the sediments cannot be obtained by magnetic methods in this profile.     

岩石剩余磁化强度的应力效应

为模拟构造应力对岩石剩余磁化强度的影响,本研究对六种不同类型的44块岩样进行了应力实验,发现岩石天然剩磁随应力的变化规律比迄今所估计的要复杂得多.作者指出,这些变化可归属于三种类型:在弱不可逆的Ⅰ型效应中,剩磁随应力呈现规则的减小,应力解除后剩磁部分恢复;而在强不可逆的Ⅱ型效应中,应力去除后剩磁大部不恢复;在Ⅲ型效应中,剩磁随应力呈极不规律的变化.进一步的岩石磁学分析表明,不同应力效应的重要原因,在于天然剩磁中的粘滞剩磁的比例不同,微观上取决于磁性矿物成分及其磁畴状态等因素.因此,不能用单一的岩石压磁模式来解释地震压磁效应,须考虑各震源区的不同岩石组成.      

同时考虑退磁和剩磁的有限体积法正演模拟

为分析同时考虑退磁和剩磁对磁测数据解释的影响,探讨了利用有限体积法求静磁场数值解的方法.从静磁场中的麦克斯韦方程出发,导出了有限体积法控制方程的离散表达式,对边界条件近似处理后求解方程组得到磁异常.通过与退磁改正计算结果对比,验证了方法的正确性,并分析得到忽略剩磁的相对误差与科尼斯布格比（Q）相关;利用有限体积法计算长方体模型在无地磁场情况下的磁异常和内部磁化强度,从数值模拟上说明剩磁也需要进行退磁改正,并表明退磁作用对剩磁的影响不仅与磁化率相关,而且与剩磁的方向和磁性体的形态相关;组合模型的计算结果对比表明,退磁作用对剩磁的影响还会因为临近强磁性体的作用发生改变.在青海灶火河西工区的应用说明,开展同时考虑退磁和剩磁的解释方法对准确识别强磁性岩体具有实用价值.     

Transmission electron microscope and rock magnetic investigations of remanence carriers in a Precambrian metadolerite

A Precambrian metadolerite dyke has two distinct types of remanence carriers; those with medium/high coercivities (unblocking fields of 20–120 mT) and those with low coercivities (unblocking fields of <15 mT). Optical examination reveals numerous submicron probably opaque inclusions in the plagioclase feldspar and also large opaque grains consisting of coarse oxidation-exsolution intergrowths of magnetite and ilmenite. All opaque phases have been examined using transmission electron microscopy together with microanalysis and electron diffraction. The submicron inclusions in the plagioclase are titanomagnetites(0 < x ≤ 0.14) with a size range between about 0.01 and 0.5 μm and axial ratios between 1 (equidimensional) and about 0.3. Many of these inclusions fall in the single-domain field but some are probably pseudo-single-domain. The large opaque grains contain almost pure magnetite and ilmenite and show no fine-scale exsolution; the magnetite regions of the intergrowths are of multidomain size and reveal multidomain structure under Lorentz electron microscopy. There are also some primary ilmenites containing very fine exsolved haematite, and there are very fine plates of ilmenite and very elongate needles of magnetite within the augite. Experiments on artificial samples containing very carefully prepared separates of plagioclase and large opaque grains show that the pure plagioclase acquires a remanence with unblocking fields of 20–140 mT and blocking temperatures of 390–590°C and the large opaque grains acquire a remanence with unblocking fields of less than 15 mT but a wide range of blocking temperatures up to about 570°C. It is concluded that the medium/high coercivity component of remanence in the rock is carried largely or possibly entirely by the submicron magnetites within the plagioclase and that the low coercivity component is carried largely or entirely by the multidomain magnetites in the large opaques. The contribution of the magnetite needles in the augite is uncertain as the rock does not contain any detectable component of remanence with the extremely high coercivities expected from their very elongate shape.     

Palaeomagnetism of silurian lavas of Somerset and Gloucestershire,England

Detailed alternating field demagnetisation of Upper Llandovery volcanics of the Mendip Hills and Gloucestershire has isolated remanence directions interpreted as primary from each of five sites. Well-defined high-coercivity secondary magnetisation is present in six samples of one site and low-coercivity secondary remanence is present in all samples from another site; the former component was apparently acquired in Permo-Triassic times. Primary directions of magnetisation show marked improvement in precision after correction for penecontemporaneous folding, and show a late Llandovery reversal in the sense R → N.The group mean directions of magnetisation isD = 243.5°,I = 47.5° (precision parameterk = 29). Petrographic examination confirms observations from magnetic properties that relict titanomagnetite (oxidation classes 3 to 5) is the remanence carrier in most samples. Hematite, probably mostly late magmatic in origin, is widely developed in all samples, but only the principal remanence carrier where it has thoroughly replaced the titanomagnetite. Low-coercivity remanence is apparently caused by weathering effects but there is no clear visible cause for secondary high-coercivity remanence carried by some samples.The mean virtual geomagnetic pole position is close to Upper Silurian/Lower Devonian pole positions from other parts of Britain and defines a minimum apparent polar shift of 60° between late Ordovician and Upper Llandovery times. Reference to absolute age dates suggests that this shift took place between ca. 447 and 434 m.y. followed by slight polar movement between ca. 434 and 394 m.y.     

非滞后剩磁各向异性

由于非滞后剩磁各向异性和等温剩磁各向异性的参数直接与岩石中的携磁矿物颗粒有关,它比传统的磁化率各向异性更明确地指示岩石组构,在构造地质研究中有较大应用前景．本文介绍了非滞后剩磁及其各向异性的测定方法,并以一个实例阐述了它在构造地质中的应用．     

Secondary remanent magnetization carried by magnetite inclusions in silicates: a comparative study of unremagnetized and remagnetized granites

Magnetic carriers in remagnetized Cretaceous granitic rocks of northeast Japan were studied using paleomagnetism, rock magnetism, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) by comparison with unremagnetized granitic rocks. The natural remanent magnetization (NRM) of the remagnetized rocks is strong (0.3–1.7 A/m) and shows a northwesterly direction with moderate inclination (NW remanence), whereas the unremagnetized rocks preserve weak NRM (<0.5 A/m) with westerly and shallow direction (W remanence). Although thermal demagnetization shows that both NRMs are carried by magnetite, the remagnetized rocks reveal a higher coercivity with respect to alternating field demagnetization (20 mT相似文献   

Alternating field characteristics of pseudo-single-domain (2–14 μm) and multidomain magnetite

We report normalized AF demagnetization curves of anhysteretic remanences (ARM's) produced by 1-, 10- and 40-Oe steady fields and of saturation isothermal remanence (IRM_s) in a suite of dispersed, unannealed magnetite powders with median sizes of 2, 4, 6, 10 and 14 μm (pseudo-single-domain or PSD size range) and 100 μm (multidomain or MD size). Interpreted in the light of the domain structure test first proposed by Lowrie and Fuller [12], the relative stability trend of curves for the 2 μm sample is of single-domain (SD) type, the 1-Oe ARM being most resistant to demagnetization followed by the 10-Oe and 40-Oe ARM's and IRM_s. For the 100-μm sample, the trend is exactly reversed and is of MD-type. In the 4–14 μm samples, hitherto undescribed transitional trends between SD-type and MD-type occur. At 6 μm, 1-Oe, 10-Oe and 40-Oe ARM's preserve an SD-type trend but for all AF's > 75 Oe, IRM_s is more resistant than any of these remanences. At 10 μm, this trend is unmistakable, and only at 14 μm do the 1-Oe, 10-Oe and 40-Oe ARM curves merge. We conclude (1) that the Lowrie-Fuller test distinguishes between small MD grains enhanced by PSD remanence and large MD grains lacking PSD remanence, rather than between SD and MD structures per se, and (2) that in the PSD transition region from 6 to 14 μm in magnetite, IRM_s changes over to MD-type relative stability around 6 μm, whereas 10-Oe and 40-Oe ARM's achieve an MD-type trend around 14 μm, in accord with the predicted field dependence of the PSD threshold size.Our theoretical interpretation assumes that the intrinsic (internal field) coercive force spectra of weak-field and strong-field remanences are identical but that the observed (external field) spectrum is shifted to lower fields as a result of the internal demagnetizing field — NJ_r of the remanence J_r. The effect is slight for weak-field J_r's but substantial for IRM_s. Since all coercivities, high as well as low, are shifted, the result of the Lowrie-Fuller test is determined simply by the shape of the intrinsic coercivity spectrum or the corresponding AF demagnetization curve. Depending on the model of self-demagnetization used, either subexponential or sublinear AF decay curves of weak-field remanence will automatically lead to an MD-type trend, whereas by either model the decay curves that characterize SD and PSD remanences (decaying slowly initially and then more rapidly) will always produce and SD-type trend.     

Palaeomagnetism of Ketilidian metamorphic rocks of SW Greenland,and 1850-1600 m.y. apparent polar movements

Proterozoic supracrustal rocks of southwest Greenland and amphibolite dykes intruding the basement possess a thermal remanent magnetisation acquired during slow regional uplift and cooling between 1800 and 1600 m.y. following the Ketilidian mobile episode. Most samples from amphibolite dykes (mean palaeomagnetic pole 214°E, 31°N) possess a stable remanence associated with development of hematite during regional thermal metamorphism. Metavolcanics from the eastern part (eight sites, palaeomagnetic pole 230°E, 60°N, A₉₅ = 15°) and western part (twelve sites, 279°E, 59°N, A₉₅ = 17°) of Ars?k Island have magnetisations postdating folding and are related to KAr ages dating regional cooling (1700-1600 m.y.); magnetic properties are highly variable and partially stable remanence resides predominantly in pyrrhotite.These results agree in part with other palaeomagnetic results from the northern margin of the same craton, and currently available palaeomagnetic results assigned to the interval 1850-1600 m.y. are evaluated to define apparent polar wander movements. Two large polar movements are recognised during this interval with the possibility of a third at ca. 1800 m.y. It is concluded that apparent polar wander movements in Proterozoic times are most accurately described in terms of closed loops.     

西秦岭温泉岩体的磁组构特征及其侵位机制意义

结合岩石磁学、磁化率各向异性度与区域构造分析了西秦岭温泉岩体的侵位机制及意义.温泉岩体的样品的平均磁化率k_m值总体很大,岩石磁学表明对于磁化率较低的样品,顺磁性矿物（如黑云母等）对磁化率的贡献较大,而少量铁磁性矿物（如磁铁矿等）可能作为剩磁载体.对于磁化率较高的样品,其主要载磁矿物为磁铁矿;花岗岩样品的校正磁化率各向异性度P_J总体小于1.2,显示了岩体为流动磁组构的特征,磁化率椭球体形态参数T总体大于0,扁率E总体大于1,以压扁椭球体为主;岩体的磁面理同磁线理相比更为发育,样品的磁面理普遍表现出围绕岩体边界分布的特点,且倾角较陡;而在岩体内部磁线理与磁面理分布相对散乱,定向性差,这一特征说明温泉岩体的磁组构主要由侵位时的侧向挤压作用形成的;虽然岩体的磁组构特征总体显示了N-NEE和SW向的挤压作用,但岩体侵位时由商丹缝合带闭合所产生的垂直于缝合带方向的挤压作用已相对较弱.本文认为,温泉岩体侵位时是一种弱挤压环境,或者是一种相对稳定的环境甚至可能是一种相对引张的背景,这与温泉岩体形成于后碰撞环境,秦岭造山带已演化至后碰撞拆沉作用发生的伸展阶段所反映的区域构造背景是一致的.     

The stable orientations of the net magnetic moment within single-domain particles: Experimental evidence for a range of stable states and implications for rock magnetism and palaeomagnetism

An idealised stable uniaxial single-domain (SD) particle permits only two possible stable positions in which the magnetic moment can lie, either closely parallel or anti-parallel to the particle long (easy) axis. In real acicular SD particles, which have generally been regarded as uniaxial, this implicit two state feature has never been challenged, whilst there has been considerable debate concerning the mechanism of moment reversal between the two states. We present experimental results suggesting that acicular SD particles may actually have a range of several quantifiable stable (or metastable) orientations of the net magnetic moment. In order to help explain our experimental observations we present a new simple model of acicular SD particles, which gives quantitative predictions verified by further experiments. The model also appears to be relevant to other SD particle morphologies and crystal structures (such as hematite). A possible physical basis for our model in acicular particles may lie in non-uniform SD structures (such as the flower or vortex states). Small variations in the non-uniform SD structures available to a particle might allow a range of stable positions of the net moment.The results have several implications for rock magnetism and palaeomagnetism. Firstly, the new model can quantitatively account for several previously unexplained diverse phenomena exhibited by real acicular SD particles. These include the acquisition of gyroremanences and field-impressed anisotropy in dilute dispersions of such particles, as well as observations of transverse components of remanence in individual acicular SD particles. All these phenomena are theoretically impossible in idealised uniaxial SD particles. Interestingly, it appears that these phenomena could now be used to quantify the deviation of real acicular SD particles from ideal uniaxial behaviour and also, therefore, the deviation from a uniform SD structure. In hematite, observations of large field-impressed anisotropy appear to be quantitatively explained by the available positions of the moment in the basal plane.Secondly, computations of the ancient field vector and palaeointensity from remanence anisotropy techniques would not only be controlled by the shape and distribution of the particles, but also by the range of possible stable orientations of the net moment within each SD particle. Laboratory analogue remanences (and, we suspect, natural remanences) would be influenced by the range of possible stable moment positions. Quantifying the range of these stable moment positions, upon acquisition of laboratory or natural remanences, should lead to improved methods of computing the ancient field direction and palaeointensity in anisotropic rocks.     

Detrital and pedogenic magnetic mineral phases in the loess/palaeosol sequence at Lingtai (Central Chinese Loess Plateau)

A detailed rock magnetic investigation of loess/palaeosol samples from the section at Lingtai on the central Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) is presented. Thermal demagnetisation of isothermal remanent magnetisation (IRM) and Curie temperature measurements suggest the presence of magnetite, maghemite and hematite as remanence carrying components. Bulk and grain size fractionated samples have been analysed using coercivity spectra of remanence acquisition/demagnetisation curves, which identify four main remanence carriers in different grain size fractions of loesses and palaeosols. A linear source mixing model quantifies the contribution of the four components which have been experimentally derived as dominating endmembers in specific grain size fractions. Up to two thirds of the total IRM of the palaeosols are due to slightly oxidised pedogenic magnetite. Two detrital components dominate up to 90% of the IRM of the loess samples and are ascribed to maghemite of different oxidation degree. Detrital hematite is present in all samples and contributes up to 10% of the IRM. The iron content of the grain size fractions gives evidence that iron in pedogenically grown remanence carriers does not originate from the detrital iron oxides, but rather from iron-bearing clays and mafic silicates. The contribution of pedogenic magnetite to the bulk IRM increases with the increasing degree of pedogenesis, which depends in turn on climate change.     

Geomagnetic field intensity from Kilauea 1955 and 1960 lava flows: Towards a better understanding of paleointensity

The record of the Earth’s magnetic field intensity during the past (paleointensity) carries important information about the geodynamo and the state of the Earth’s interior that is not contained in the record of its paleodirection. To determine what the critical factors in obtaining reliable estimate of paleointensity are, we present new results of a paleointensity study of the 1955 and 1960 Kilauea volcano lava flows, from the Big Island of Hawaii. Rock magnetic measurements on representative hand samples from each flow in conjunction with reflected light microscopy observations show the primary carriers of remanence to be pseudo-single domain titanomagnetite with various titanium contents. Paleointensity samples (small fragments previously embedded into salt pellets) were subjected to the Thellier-Coe experimental procedure. Fourteen temperature steps were distributed over the entire temperature range used (ambient temperature to 570°C). Control heating steps (commonly referred to as partial thermo-remanent magnetization — pTRM checks) were also conducted each third double heating step. Mean field intensity value (36.6 ± 0.7 μT) retrieved from 3 reliable site mean determinations reproduces the expected value within 1.1%. With the knowledge of the rock magnetic characteristics of the samples and the strength of the geomagnetic field during cooling of the lava, our investigation suggests that the Hawaiian lavas can faithfully record the local geomagnetic field and confirms that the Thellier-Coe type techniques are suitable on historical lava flows to yield reliable absolute paleointensity determinations. The variations in direct field measurements and in lab paleofield determinations may reflect local heterogeneities of the lava or influence of very local field anomalies due to the volcanic underlying terrain. These results underscore the importance that a better understanding of intensity results of historical lava flows is still required if reliable paleointensity determinations of older periods, for which we do not know the answer, are sought.     

Magnetite dissolution,diachronous greigite formation,and secondary magnetizations from pyrite oxidation: Unravelling complex magnetizations in Neogene marine sediments from New Zealand

Detailed rock magnetic and electron microscope analyses indicate that the magnetic signature of Neogene marine sediments from the east coast of New Zealand is dominated by the authigenic iron sulphide greigite. The greigite is present as a mixed population of stable single domain and superparamagnetic grains, which is consistent with authigenic growth from solution. This growth can result from pyritization reactions soon after deposition, which also leads to dissolution of most detrital magnetite; however, where constrained by field tests, our data suggest that remanence acquisition can occur > 1 Myr after deposition, and can vary in timing at the outcrop scale. Strong viscous overprints result from oxidation of the iron sulphides, probably during percolation of oxic ground water. This process can sometimes destroy any ancient remanent magnetization. This complex magnetic behaviour, particularly the presence of late-forming magnetizations carried by greigite, means that the remanence in New Zealand Cenozoic sediments, and in similar sediments elsewhere, cannot be assumed to be primary without confirmation by field tests. The reversals test should be employed with caution in such sediments, as patchy remagnetizations can lead to false polarity stratigraphies.