Paleosecular variations 12–20 Kyr as recorded by sediments from Lake Moreno (Southern Argentina)

We present results of paleomagnetic and sedimentological studies carried out on three cores Lmor1, Lmo98-1, Lmor98-2 from bottom sediments of Lake Moreno (south-western Argentina), and integrate them with data from our previous studies. Measurements of directions (declination D and inclination I) and mass specific intensity of natural remanent magnetization (NRM intensity), magnetic susceptibility (specific, χ and volumetric, κ), isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM), saturation of isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM), and back field remanent coercivity (B_0CR) were performed. The stability of the NRM was investigated using alternating-field demagnetization. The results show that these sediments meet the criteria required to construct a reliable paleomagnetic record. The cores were correlated very well based on magnetic parameters, such as χ and NRM intensity, as well as with lithological features. Tephra layers were identified from the lithological profiles and magnetic susceptibility logs. We obtained the D and I logs of the characteristic remanent magnetization for the cores as a function of shortened depth. The data from the three cores were combined to form a composite record using the Fisher method. A comparison between stacked inclination and declination records of Lake Moreno and those obtained in previous works on Lake Escondido and Lake El Trébol shows good agreement. This agreement made it possible to transform the stacked curves into time series spanning the interval 12–20 kyr. The results obtained improved our knowledge of SV and the behaviour of the geomagnetic field and also allowed us to determine the range of past inclination variations from −70° to −45° for the southern hemisphere, where data are scarce.     

Paleomagnetic records of secular variation from Lake Michigan sediment cores

Continuous measurements of the natural remanent magnetization of six cores from central Lake Michigan have been made, using a cryogenic magnetometer designed to permit the passage of long cores through its sensing region. The output of each of the three-component sensors is deconvolved with the appropriate system response function and combined to yield continuous records of inclination, declination and intensity with a resolution of approximately 6 cm. The paleomagnetic record extends to about 13,500 years B.P. and includes two features which may be excursions of the earth's field. Other features may be correlated between different cores, and the magnetic sequence is, in general, consistent with the stratigraphic sequence. There is an indication of a repeated sequence of field changes, which is somewhat reminiscent of the solar field cycle.     

Numerical correlation of recent paleomagnetic records in two Lake Tahoe cores

Recent paleomagnetic fluctuations are smooth and well correlated in two short cores collected 28 km apart in Lake Tahoe. Cross-correlation analysis of the unit-vector time series data shows that the characteristic angular difference between the two records is only 11° for the past 3000 years. This compares favorably with the characteristic angular differences of 7–8° between adjacent samples within each core taken separately. The correspondingly high values of pairwise (between cores) and serial (within core) correlation are significant at 99.99% confidence. These data, collected and previously studied qualitatively by A.S. Goldstein, show that the sediment in Lake Tahoe can provide reliable Recent paleosecular variation records. The paucity of fine-scale paleomagnetic correlation between other cores from that basin is due likely to stratigraphic rather than rock magnetic difficulties.     

Analysis of magnetic inclination in borecores

Summary In palaeomagnetism it is usually assumed that the distribution of directions of natural remanent magnetization at a site is Fisherian. This assumption is used here for an analysis of dispersion on a sphere when only inclination (and not declination) of NRM directions is known. By this method, in spite of the lack of declination data, the mean inclination and precision of the parent Fisherian population are estimated, together with the probable errors in these estimates. The method is tested against known Fisherian populations and is then used for dealing with data from borecores, where the way-up of cores and dip of the hole are known, but the azimuth of cores is not. Uses of the information derived from this analysis include estimations of age of NRM, support for palaeomagnetic data from surface studies, and comparison of dispersion of the palaeomagnetic field with that of the present geomagnetic field.     

Paleomagnetic studies of late pleistocene rocks from the Malyi Kut section (Taman Peninsula, Krasnodar krai)

Paleomagnetic studies of Quaternary deposits from the Malyi Kut rock sequence (Krasnodar krai, western part of the Taman Peninsula) in two time intervals of Late Pleistocene are carried out. The Malyi Kut sequence is a marine terrace of the Baku age, which is embedded in the disturbed marine Sarmatian deposits. The terrace of the Bakinian age nests the Karangat marine terrace. The presence of the marine molluscan fauna in the both terraces enables reliable dating of the studied deposits. The composition, grain size, and concentration of ferromagnetic fraction present in the studied rocks are investigated by a set of rock magnetic methods. The directions of natural remanent magnetization (NRM) are studied, and the reliability of their isolation is estimated. The results are compared with the paleomagnetic records of NRM in the rocks of the parallel coeval sections of the Tuzla (Taman Peninsula) and Roxolany (Ukraine). This correlation suggests that the studied rock sequences recorded the Mono Lake geomagnetic excursion.     

Magnetostratigraphy of the late Tertiary Verde Formation,central Arizona

Paleomagnetic polarity data were obtained from nine sections of the Verde Formation, a late Tertiary carbonate-bearing lacustrine unit in central Arizona. This study tested the applicability of magnetostratigraphy as a geochronologic technique in a restricted terrestrial sedimentary basin, and its objective was to better define the age of the Verde Formation.Intensities of natural remanent magnetism (NRM) ranged from <10^?7 to >10^?4 gauss. Although secondary components of viscous magnetization commonly were observed, alternating field demagnetization was successful in revealing the polarity of the primary NRM at almost all sites. Thermomagnetic analysis, partial thermal demagnetization of NRM, and polished section analysis together indicate that the primary NRM is a depositional remanence carried by detrital magnetite. Intrabasin stratigraphic correlation of the sections, together with K-Ar ages on interbedded and underlying volcanic rocks has allowed construction of a composite magnetostratigraphic column for the Verde Formation that is correlated with the late Cenozoic polarity time scale. The correlation indicates nearly continuous sedimentation in the Verde basin from ～7.5 to ～2.5 m.y. ago.     

Stress-induced variations of remanent magnetism in Late Quaternary varved clay

A study of the remanent magnetism in Swedish varved clay shows that, even in varves that macroscopically appear to be undeformed, the paleomagnetic record may be seriously altered due to stress-induced deformation of the micro-fabric in the sediment.In the studied area disturbed clays were rather the rule than the exception, but undisturbed sediments were found at two sites, Järna II and III. This clay formed 10,200 years B.P. and shows a declination of about 30° east, a value that could be obtained thanks to excellent lateral control of the magnetism.     

The late Pleistocene geomagnetic field as recorded by sediments from Fargher Lake,Washington, U.S.A.

Measurement of the remanent magnetization of a 6.88-m oriented core of soft sediments and tephras from Fargher Lake near Mount St. Helens in southwestern Washington State shows that no significant geomagnetic reversals were recorded in the sediments of the lake. Radiocarbon and palynological dating of the tephra layers from the lake bed indicates deposition during the interval 17, 000–34, 000 years B.P. although geochemical correlation of a prominent tephra layer in the core with tephra set C of Mount St. Helens could mean that the maximum age of the sediments may be at least 36, 000 years B.P. The core was divided into specimens 0.02 m long, each representing approximately 55 years of deposition assuming a constant rate of sedimentation. Pilot alternating field demagnetization studies of every tenth specimen indicated a strong, stable remanence with median destructive field of 15 mT, and the remaining specimens were subsequently demagnetized in fields of this strength. The mean inclination for all specimens exclusive of the unstably magnetized muck and peat from near the surface is 56.1° which is 8° shallower than the present axial dipole field at this site, perhaps because of inclination error in the detrital remanent magnetization of the sediments, although because of the variability in the data, this departure from the axial dipole field may not be significant. The ranges of inclination and declination are comparable to those of normal secular variation at northern latitudes. Although three isolated specimens have remanence with negative inclination, these anomalous directions are due to sampling and depositional effects. Measurement of a second core of 6.86 m length also revealed only normal magnetic polarity, but this result is of little stratigraphic value as this core failed to penetrate the distinctive tephra found near the base of the former core.Studies of a concentrate of the magnetic minerals in the sediments by optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction indicate that the primary magnetic constituent is an essentially pure magnetite of detrital origin. The magnetite occurs in a wide range of grain sizes with much of it of sub-multidomain size (< 15 μm).As a whole, this study provides substantial evidence against the existence of large-scale worldwide geomagnetic reversals during the time interval of Fargher Lake sedimentation, a segment of geological time for which many excursions and reversals have been reported elsewhere.     

Constraining the dating of late Quaternary marine sediment records from the Scotia Sea (Southern Ocean)

In Southern Ocean sediments south of the Antarctic Polar Front, the scarcity of calcareous microfossils hampers the development of sediment chronologies based on radiocarbon dating and oxygen isotope stratigraphy established from carbonate. In this study, radiometric dating, magnetic susceptibility (MS), biogenic opal content, diatom abundance fluctuation, and paleomagnetic information were investigated on a north–south transect of central Scotia Sea sediment cores to verify their reliability as stratigraphic tools in the study area. Radiocarbon dating on organic carbon humic acid fraction can be used to establish the stratigraphy of upper core sections, but regional comparison and correlation are needed to verify a possible bias by fossil carbon contamination. For the long-term stratigraphy, MS, which can be correlated to the Antarctic ice core dust/climate signal, represents the most valuable parameter. Fine-grained single domain magnetite, probably of biogenic origin, makes a significant contribution to the interglacial MS signal, while major contributions from detrital material affect the glacial MS record. The core from the southern Scotia Sea contains significant proportions of biogenic magnetite also in glacial sediments, suggesting depositional environments different from those of the northern Scotia Sea. Our data suggest low contributions of high-coercive minerals to the overall magnetic intensity of glacial and interglacial Scotia Sea sediments, which excludes dust as a main source of the magnetic signal. Opal content can be used to distinguish between cold and warm intervals for the past 300 thousand years. Abundance fluctuation patterns of diatom species Fragilariopsis kerguelensis and Eucampia antarctica are useful stratigraphic tools for periods back to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6. The Mono Lake geomagnetic excursion is identified in Scotia Sea sediments for the first time. Possible correlations of ash layers are suggested between Scotia Sea sediments and East Antarctic ice cores. They have potential to serve as additional age markers for further studies in this area.     

Post-depositional remanent magnetization in a re-deposited deep-sea sediment

Re-deposition of some deep-sea clay material in the earth's magnetic field is described. At the time of an induced reversal of the ambient field declination, calcium carbonate layers were introduced for identification purposes. NRM and bulk susceptibility measurements along the still moist sediment cores showed the presence of a time lag of around 10 days between a change in the ambient field direction and a corresponding change in the stable magnetization. AF-demagnetization of discs sampled from a dried core suggested that this time lag was caused by a post-depositional remanent magnetization mechanism. Magnetomineralogical investigations show the presence of the thermally unstable magnetic mineral phase, probably titano-maghemite. A positive correlation between NRM-intensities and water temperature during deposition is discussed. It is suggested that consolidation-rate is a major factor influencing the NRM intensity in deep-sea sediments.     

Paleomagnetism and ore mineralogy of some basalts of the Geirud Formation of Late Devonian - Early Carboniferous age from the southern Alborz,Iran

Basaltic lavas from the southern Alborz, an area about 40 km northeast of Tehran, Iran, have been paleomagnetically investigated. The lavas are of Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous age, and belong to the basal member of the Geirud Formation. At 11 sites a total of 80 cores was drilled.Detailed analyses by means of progressive demagnetization of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) were made both by the application of alternating magnetic fields and by heating. Also, on a number of specimens a study was done both with thin sections and with polished sections. There proved to be general agreement between the properties of the characteristic NRM and the kind of Fe-Ti oxides in the lavas. In the case of specimens containing magnetite only the characteristic NRM was entirely removed at temperatures just below 600°C, or in alternating fields up to 1500/2000 Oe peak value; on the other hand, in specimens containing both magnetite and a substantial part of hematite (martite) the final part of the characteristic remanence was removed at temperatures above 600°C, and this remanence resisted alternating fields above 2000 Oe peak value. From the characteristic site-mean directions of 5 sites an average paleomagnetic direction is computed withD = 210.8°,I = 66.9°, and α₉₅ = 3.9°.This result might be taken as an indication that at the Devono-Carboniferous transition the southern part of the Alborz was located in the present Indian Ocean off the Arabian coast.     

Palaeomagnetic secular variation studies of Finnish lake sediment and the carriers of remanence

Palaeomagnetic and mineral magnetism measurements have been carried out on two cores from Lake Vuokonjarvi in Finnish Karelia. The sediment probably covers 5000 years of continuous deposition at a mean sedimentation rate of about 0.8 mm/yr.The magnetic declination exhibits fluctuations of similar amplitude(～20°) and character to those recorded in northern England and northern Ireland. Magnetic inclination variations are of higher amplitude(～15°) than those found in Britain. Matching the palaeomagnetic patterns with the dated British master curves permits an estimate of the rate of deposition of the Finnish sediments, which is suggested to be more reliable than estimates from radiocarbon dating of the Vuokonjarvi sediment.The stable natural remanence is shown to be carried by fine-grained magnetite and titanomagnetite grains and to have grown by post-depositional alignment during a period of the order of 100 years. Laboratory dehydration of the sediment results in loss of around 40% of the stable natural remanence. Such behaviour is also found in lake sediments from central and southern Europe and should be considered in interpreting palaeomagnetic data from dried out lake sections and ocean cores.     

A paleomagnetic record from Pyramid Lake,Nevada, and its implications for proposed geomagnetic excursions

A well-dated, 3.3-m section of deep-lake clays from pluvial Lake Lahontan, now exposed along the shore of Pyramid Lake, Nevada, has provided a paleomagnetic record of secular variation during the time interval 25,000–36,000 years B.P. The measured ranges of inclination and declination are 40° and 75°, respectively, and represent values which are comparable to observed secular variation at northern mid-latitudes. These results and those from a previously reported study from Clear Lake, California, together provide strong evidence for the conclusion that northern California and western Nevada were not affected by any geomagnetic excursion during the time interval 21,000–36,000 years B.P. Such a conclusion puts severe constraints on the nature and timing of the proposed Mono Lake, Laschamp and Lake Mungo geomagnetic excursions.     

Rock magnetism and paleomagnetic stratigraphy of forearc sediments of the Japan Trench, ODP Sites 1150 and 1151

Abstract Magnetic measurements were carried out to investigate rock magnetic properties and paleomagnetic directions of late and middle Miocene sediments recovered from the land side of the Japan Trench during the Ocean Drilling Program Leg 186. Because the low coercive component in natural remanent magnetization (NRM) normalized by anhysteretic remanent magnetization shows that the drilling‐induced magnetization is severe in the sections obtained by the advanced hydraulic piston coring method, careful analyses of demagnetization of NRM using the ‘demagnetization plane’ were carried out to decompose the direction and intensity. Magnetostratigraphic correlation down to the upper Miocene, supplemented by biostratigraphic data, revealed that the sedimentation rates are characterized by drastic changes, with the early Pliocene having the highest rate. This high sedimentation rate is related to the subsidence of the southern deep‐sea terrace of the Japan Trench.     

河西走廊早新生代红层次生剩磁及其对原生剩磁影响评价

系统研究了河西走廊火烧沟组陆相红层200个采点岩石的热退磁行为和17个代表性样品的岩石磁学特征,结果表明有102个采点可以分离出A、B、C三个剩磁分量,有82个采点只有一个分量(C分量),16个采点只能分离出A、B分量.A、B分量分别由针铁矿和磁赤铁矿携带,C分量在砂岩中由磁铁矿携带,在泥质砂岩和泥岩中由磁铁矿和赤铁矿共同携带.A、B分量剩磁方向随机分布,不能获得置信水平的古地磁平均方向,为次生剩磁.它们的存在并不影响岩石原生剩磁的分离,也不影响原生剩磁信号的稳定性和获得的古地磁数据的可靠性.16个砂岩采点中不能分离出C分量,是由于后生的赤铁矿彻底改变了由磁铁矿携带的原生剩磁组分,在高密度采样的情况下剔除这些采点并不影响古地磁极性柱的构建和解释.     

Author index 1984 (volumes 67–71)

Magnetic properties of samples from Bell Island sedimentary rocks have been studied. X-ray analysis indicates that the main magnetic mineral is hematite in all samples. The other iron-bearing minerals identified are siderite and chamosite. Microscope observations of thin sections suggest that the rocks consist of oolitic hematite in a matrix of siderite or calcite. The intensity of natural remanent magnetization (NRM) varies in the range of (0.03–0.4 A m^?1), depending on the percentage of hematite. The thermal demagnetization curves of NRM show in some cases a sharp increase in magnetization at temperatures in the range 500–600°C. The peaks that occur in these demagnetization curves are due to a chemical change of siderite during repeated laboratory heating. X-ray analysis confirmed that the newly formed material is magnetite. Since the original NRM has been masked by the new intergrown material, this would result in a serious error in the determination of paleomagnetic pole positions. The samples showing this behaviour were not considered for paleomagnetic study. The samples containing oolitic hematite in a calcite matrix exhibit very high stability of NRM, including directional stability until almost 670°C. For these samples, a virtual pole position based on N = 6 samples (32 specimens) demagnetized to 665°C is 34°N, 114°E, not far from published Ordovician poles for the North American craton.     

北京密云水库表层沉积物磁性矿物的鉴别

本文对密云水库表层沉积物中的磁性矿物进行了岩石磁学和透射电子显微学的综合研究.本实验建立的磁选方法实现将70%~85%左右的磁性矿物从沉积物中分离出来.岩石磁学研究表明,密云水库沉积物中的磁性矿物以多畴和单畴磁铁矿为主,还含有少量高矫顽力弱磁性载磁矿物(可能为赤铁矿).对磁选矿物的透射电镜观测表明,样品中部分单畴磁铁矿具有纳米尺寸和化学纯度高等特点,为拉长的立方-八面体磁铁矿,是趋磁细菌产生的化石磁小体;多畴磁铁矿多数具有微米尺寸,形状不规则,为碎屑成因;超顺磁磁铁矿粒径约为5~20nm,且含硅、铝等元素,可能为自生成因.研究结果表明,岩石磁学和透射电子显微学的综合应用可以更全面、准确地分析沉积物中磁性矿物的成分、含量、粒径和化学成分等信息,为环境磁学、生物地磁学和古地磁学研究提供依据.     

Paleomagnetism of carboniferous formations of the Russian platform: Reinvestigation of old collections

The collections of Carboniferous rocks from sections of the Russian Platform (Gzhelian, Moscovian, Bashkirian, and Visean stages) are studied. The new mean paleomagnetic poles are obtained from the Gzhelian, Moscovian, and Visean layers of the Carboniferous of the Russian Platform. In the redbed Gzhelian and Moscovian rocks, the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) components with the inclination shallowing are revealed, which is due to the presence of the large hematite particles or particle aggregates associated with the interaction between the magnetic and clay particles. Based on the obtained determinations and the results contained in the World paleomagnetic database, the trajectory of the apparent polar wander path (APWP) for the East European Platform is constructed in the interval from the Devonian to Early Permian. The Carboniferous kinematics of the East European Platform is estimated.     

Preliminary Results from Paleomagnetic Records on Lake Sediments from South America

The preliminary results of paleomagnetic and radiocarbon dating of late pleistocene-holocene sediments from two lakes of south-western Argentina (41°S, 71.5°W) are presented. The magnetic susceptibility, intensity and direction of the natural remanent magnetisation were measured. The stability of the natural remanent magnetisation was investigated by alternating field demagnetisation. The magnetic parameters allowed the cores within each lake to be correlated. ¹³ C analysis, total organic content measurements and C ¹⁴ dating were carried out. A model of sedimentation is suggested. Using this model and the correlation, curves of variations of magnetic inclination and declination in time are shown.