Palaeomagnetism of Cretaceous carbonates from the northwestern part of the Dinaric fold belt

From the island of Cres and the fold belt north of autochthonous Istria 260 light-grey Cretaceous limestone samples were collected at 25 localities. Stepwise thermal demagnetization was employed to clean the remanence up to max. 525 °C. About two-thirds of the samples were successfully cleaned and the locality means were calculated from the characteristic remanences. The locality means significantly deviate from the present field direction both before and after tectonic correction: the mean inclination is about 15° lower than the present inclination and the declination is rotated counterclockwise i.e. it basically fits the pattern so far observed in the Periadriatic region.Unfolding barely influences the scatter of the directions (Cres: D = 308°, I = 45°, k = 26, α₉₅ = 13.3°, before tilt correction, and D = 330°, I = 48°, k = 33, α₉₅ = 11.9° after tilt correction; fold belt north of autochthonous Istria: D = 309°, I = 48°, k = 17, α₉₅ = 11.9°, before tilt correction, and D = 336°, I = 41°, k =13, α₉₅ = 14.0°, after tilt correction. In view of the inconclusive fold test, the magnetization cannot be dated precisely and thus does not yield sufficient information concerning possible relative movements between autochthonous Istria-Gargano and the fold belt studied. Nevertheless, the counterclockwise rotated declinations of the area studied are in contrast with the clockwise rotated declinations of the Ionian Zone of Western Greece. The large angular difference in declination between two parts of the Dalmatian-Ionian Zone with similar tectonic trends casts doubt on the continuity of the fold belt.     

Palaeomagnetism of the Palaeoproterozoic ultramafic intrusion near Lake Konchozero,Southern Karelia,Russia

New palaeomagnetic results are presented from the recently dated Palaeoproterozoic ultramafic Konchozero sill, and associated basalts (three sites, 38 oriented samples). Three stable components of remanence have been isolated during thermal and alternating field demagnetisation. The component I, with a mean direction of D=103°, I=40°, k=18, α₉₅=11° (N=11 samples), pole position of 14°S, 282°E, has been obtained from the unaltered deeper part of the sill and from baked schists. The study of the baked contact confirms the conclusion that component I is supposed to be primary and corresponds to the Sm–Nd age of the sill of 1974±27 Ma. The palaeopole of component I is not consistent with the accepted Fennoscandian apparent polar wander path (APWP) for the period 2120–1880 Ma, and for that part the Fennoscandian APWP should be revised. Two other components (component II: D=349°, I=39°, k=35, α₉₅=6°, N=19 samples, pole position 49°N, 231°E; and component III: D=17°, I=41°, k=44, α₉₅=5°, N=19 samples, pole position 50°N, 190°E) fit the APWP well, with palaeomagnetically estimated ages of ca. 1860 and 1760 Ma respectively.     

Differential timing of vertical-axis block rotations in the northern Ryukyu Arc: Paleomagnetic evidence from the Koshikijima Islands,Japan

Over 300 samples for paleomagnetic analysis and K–Ar dating were collected from 27 sites at NW–SE and NE–SW trending dike swarms (herein, NW dikes and NE dikes, respectively) in the Koshikijima Islands, northern Ryukyu Arc. The NW dikes are Middle Miocene in age and have directions (D = ? 37.7^°, I = 51.8^°, α₉₅ = 9.6^°, and κ = 40.8) that are deflected westward relative to the stable eastern Asian continent. Conversely, the NE dikes, of Late Miocene age, have directions (D = 16.1^°, I = 57.7^°, α₉₅ = 7.1^°, and κ = 41.9) that show no such deflection. These differences are interpreted as indicating that the Koshikijima Islands underwent approximately 40^° of counter-clockwise rotation during the Middle to Late Miocene. A synthesis of the paleomagnetic and structural data suggests a three-stage history of extensional deformation: (1) displacement upon normal faults (F₁ faults) without vertical-axis block rotation, (2) strike-slip reactivation of F₁ faults and oblique-normal displacement on NE–SW-trending faults (F₂ faults) with vertical-axis block rotation, and (3) oblique-normal displacement on F₂ faults without vertical-axis block rotation. Regional differences in the timing and amount of counter-clockwise vertical-axis block rotations indicate that the northern Ryukyu Arc rotated as several distinct rigid blocks.     

Autunian age constrained by fold tests for paleomagnetic data from the Mezarif and Abadla basins (Algeria)

A paleomagnetic study has been conducted on a formation dated as Autunian in the Nekheila area (31.4°N, 1.5°W) in the Mezarif basin. ChRM was thermally isolated in 117 samples from seven sites. This ChRM (D = 131.8°, I = 15.7°, k = 196, α₉₅ = 3.8° after dip correction; corresponding pole 29.3°S, 56.4°E) is very similar to that obtained in the neighboring Abadla basin from a formation of the same age. Fold tests associated with progressive unfolding applied to the full merged data from the dated formations of these two basins clearly indicate that the magnetization acquisition predates the deformation, which is attributed to the last phase of the late-Hercynian. The magnetization in these basins is therefore primary or acquired just after deposition. For the African Apparent Polar Wander Path, the age of the paleomagnetic poles of the Autunian part is now confirmed by paleomagnetic test.     

Tropical northeast Africa in the middle–late Eocene: Paleomagnetism of the marine-mammals sites and basalts in the Fayum province,Egypt

The mid-late Eocene “Valley of Whales” in the Fayum province of Egypt contains hundreds of marine-mammals’ skeletons. Given its paleontological importance, we carried out a paleomagnetic study of the fossil-bearing formations. A sequence of basalts directly overlying the upper Eocene rocks in three distant clusters within a 25 km-long NW–SE graben in the southwestern part of the area was also studied. Thermal demagnetization of three-axis IRM was used to identify and eliminate sites dominated by hematite and/or goethite as potential remanence carriers. Progressive thermal demagnetization of the NRM isolated a characteristic NNE–SSW dual-polarity direction with a shallow inclination that passes both tilt and reversal tests. The mean tilt-corrected direction of the sedimentary formations is D/I = 16°/30° (k = 50, α₉₅ = 3°) yielding a paleomagnetic pole at 70°N/159°E. The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) indicated that the observed inclinations were free from inclination shallowing, as did the nearly identical characteristic remanence of the overlying basalt flows (with a tilt-corrected reversed-polarity direction of D/I = 198°/−28° (k = 38, α₉₅ = 7°) and a pole at 68°N/158°E). The new paleopoles place the Fayum province at a lower paleolatitude (15–17°N) than today (29.5°N), and point to the possible prevalence of tropical climate in northeast Africa during mid-late Eocene times. This tropical position is nearly identical to the paleolatitudes extrapolated from the mean of 36 coeval poles rotated from the other major cratons and from Africa itself. The declinations show a minor easterly deviation from those predicted by extrapolation from other continents. This is interpreted as due to a small clockwise rotation internal to NE Africa, possibly related to Red Sea/Gulf of Suez rifting after the late Eocene. The alternative explanation that the geomagnetic field had a non-zonal non-dipole field contribution is not favored.     

An example of multicomponent magnetization in welded tuffs: a case study of Upper Cretaceous welded tuffs of eastern Russia

Four distinct components of natural remanent magnetization were isolated from a single site in welded tuffs in the Upper Cretaceous Kisin Group of the Sikhote Alin mountain range, Russia. In order to contribute toward a basis for an interpretation of multicomponent magnetization, rock magnetic experiments were performed on the welded tuffs. All four magnetization components essentially reside in magnetite. The lowest-temperature component up to 300 °C (component A: D=349.3°, I=60.9°, α₉₅=7.3°, N=7) is a present day viscous magnetization. The third-removed component (component C: D=41.4°, I=51.8°, α₉₅=3.5°, N=8), isolated over the temperature range of 450–560 °C, is a primary remanence. The second- and fourth-demagnetized components (component B: D=174.7°, I=−53.1°, α₉₅=21.2°, N=3 and component D: D=188.1°, I=−64.5°, α₉₅=4.0°, N=8, respectively) are secondary magnetizations related to a thermal event in Sikhote Alin between 66 and 51 Ma. Components B and D were acquired through different remagnetization processes. Component B is ascribed to a thermoviscous remanent magnetization carried by single-domain magnetite, and component D is a chemical remanent magnetization.     

Paleomagnetic data and K–Ar ages from Mesozoic units of the Santa Marta massif: A preliminary interpretation for block rotation and translations

We report 6 K–Ar ages and paleomagnetic data from 28 sites collected in Jurassic, Lower Cretaceous and Paleocene rocks of the Santa Marta massif, to test previous hypothesis of rotations and translations of this massif, whose rock assemblage differs from other basement-cored ranges adjacent to the Guyana margin. Three magnetic components were identified in this study. A first component has a direction parallel to the present magnetic field and was uncovered in all units (D = 352, I = 25.6, k = 57.35, a95 = 5.3, N = 12). A second component was isolated in Cretaceous limestone and Jurassic volcaniclastic rocks (D = 8.8, I = 8.3, k = 24.71, a95 = 13.7, N = 6), and it was interpreted as of Early Cretaceous age. In Jurassic sites with this component, Early Cretaceous K–Ar ages obtained from this and previous studies are interpreted as reset ages. The third component was uncovered in eight sites of Jurassic volcaniclastic rocks, and its direction indicates negative shallow to moderate inclinations and northeastward declinations. K–Ar ages in these sites are of Early (196.5 ± 4.9 Ma) to early Late Jurassic age (156.6 ± 8.9 Ma). Due to local structural complexity and too few Cretaceous outcrops to perform a reliable unconformity test, we only used two sites with (1) K–Ar ages, (2) less structural complexity, and (3) reliable structural data for Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks. The mean direction of the Jurassic component is (D = 20.4, I = −18.2, k = 46.9, a95 = 5.1, n = 18 specimens from two sites). These paleomagnetic data support previous models of northward along-margin translations of Grenvillian-cored massifs. Additionally, clockwise vertical-axis rotation of this massif, with respect to the stable craton, is also documented; the sense of rotation is similar to that proposed for the Perija Range and other ranges of the southern Caribbean margin. More data is needed to confirm the magnitudes of rotations and translations.     

Current-independent paleomagnetic declinations in flysch basins: a case study from the Inner Carpathians

Paleomagnetic declinations from the Inner Carpathian Paleogene Basin imply that the area rotated counterclockwise about 60°, during the Miocene[1]. The question may arise if the paleomagnetic declination could have been biased by the W-E directed turbidity currents prevailing in the basin causing an apparent counter-clockwise rotation of the paleomagnetic direction.

The paleomagnetic results were obtained for fine grained strata, deposited in relatively calm water. Nevertheless, to confirm the paleomagnetic rotation, we needed evidence that flow activity on the magnetic grains was indeed insignificant in the beds yielding paleomagnetic results. Therefore, we carried out magnetic anisotropy measurements.

Results of AMS (representing para and ferromagnetic minerals together) measurements, compared with paleomagnetic observations, demonstrate that well-clustered lineations at locality level and failure to define a paleomagnetic direction are coupled. Lineation, when observable, is flow parallel, suggesting that magnetic lineation in the Inner Carpathian flysch basins may be regarded as a good proxy for turbidity current direction. It is remarkable, however, that the well-defined paleomagnetic directions are observed for localities, where the magnetic fabric is not showing lineation on locality level. Moreover, the lineation direction of the ferromagnetic minerals alone (obtained by measuring the anisotropy of the remanence) is independent of that of the turbidity currents. Thus we can safely conclude that the Inner Carpathian flysch basin indeed was affected by 60° tectonic rotation, and the paleomagnetic vectors were not biased by paleocurrents.     

A paleomagnetic study of the Basque Arc (Basque-Cantabrian Basin,Western Pyrenees)

The Basque Arc constitutes the northern segment of the Basque-Cantabrian basin, in the western part of the Pyrenees. The main goal of the present study was to find out by means of paleomagnetic analysis if the arched shape of the Basque Arc has a primary origin, due to the development of sedimentary basins related to the opening of the Bay of Biscay or a secondary origin due to rotations about vertical axes. Nine volcanic flows of late Albian to Santonian age (100–83.5 My) were sampled together with 10 sedimentary sites (marls, limestones, calcarenites and sandstones) of lower Jurassic to early Eocene age in order to carry out paleomagnetic and rock-magnetic experiments, 15 paleodirections being obtained. In order to analyse these results together with data from previous studies, the studied area was subdivided into a western, a central and an eastern sector. While inclinations of all three sectors show a similar value, declinations differ. The western sector displays a 37 ± 16° clockwise rotation of its mean paleodeclination, the central sector is not rotated (4 ± 9°) and both sedimentary sites which make up the eastern sector show counter-clockwise rotations (−25 ± 11° and −68 ± 9°). These results suggest that the shape of the Basque Arc does not have a primary origin, but a secondary origin due to rotations about vertical axes as a result of differential shortening related to post-Lutetian compressive tectonics which resulted in the formation of the Pyrenees.     

Paleomagnetism of the Middle–Late Jurassic to Cretaceous red beds from the Peninsular Thailand: Implications for collision tectonics

Jurassic to Cretaceous red sandstones were sampled at 33 sites from the Khlong Min and Lam Thap formations of the Trang Syncline (7.6°N, 99.6°E), the Peninsular Thailand. Rock magnetic experiments generally revealed hematite as a carrier of natural remanent magnetization. Stepwise thermal demagnetization isolates remanent components with unblocking temperatures of 620–690 °C. An easterly deflected declination (D = 31.1°, I = 12.2°, α₉₅ = 13.9°, N = 9, in stratigraphic coordinates) is observed as pre-folding remanent magnetization from North Trang Syncline, whereas westerly deflected declination (D = 342.8°, I = 22.3°, α₉₅ = 12.7°, N = 13 in geographic coordinates) appears in the post-folding remanent magnetization from West Trang Syncline. These observations suggest an occurrence of two opposite tectonic rotations in the Trang area, which as a part of Thai–Malay Peninsula received clockwise rotation after Jurassic together with Shan-Thai and Indochina blocks. Between the Late Cretaceous and Middle Miocene, this area as a part of southern Sundaland Block experienced up to 24.5° ± 11.5° counter-clockwise rotation with respect to South China Block. This post-Cretaceous tectonic rotation in Trang area is considered as a part of large scale counter-clockwise rotation experienced by the southern Sundaland Block (including the Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and south Sulawesi areas) as a result of Australian Plate collision with southeast Asia. Within the framework of Sundaland Block, the northern boundary of counter-clockwise rotated zone lies between the Trang area and the Khorat Basin.     

Paleogeographic evidence on the Jurassic tectonic history of the Pontides: new paleomagnetic data from the Sakarya continent and Eastern Pontides

The Jurassic paleogeographic position of the Pontides is not well studied because of insufficient paleomagnetic data. For this reason, a paleomagnetic study was carried out in order to constrain the paleolatitudinal drift of the Turkish blocks during the Jurassic period. A total of 32 sites were sampled from volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks of the Lower/Middle Jurassic Kelkit formation (Eastern Pontides), Mudurnu formation (Sakarya continent) and Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Ferhatkaya formation exposed around Amasya region (Eastern Pontides). Rock magnetic experiments demonstrate that the main ferromagnetic mineral is pseudo-single-domain titanomagnetite in these rocks. Paleomagnetic analysis revealed two main components of the natural remanent magnetization during stepwise thermal and alternating field demagnetization. The first component is a low-coercivity (unblocking temperature) component with a direction sometimes similar to that of the earth’s present field or a viscous component. The second component, which is interpreted as the characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) direction, has low to high coercivity properties between 20 and 100 mT or unblocking temperatures between 300 and 580°C. A positive fold test at the 95% level of confidence proved that the ChRM of the sites is primary. Paleomagnetic directions calculated for the Kelkit formation in the Eastern Pontides have a mean direction of D = 334.8°, I = 49.7°, α ₉₅ = 7.1° after tilt-correction. A mean direction of D = 332.2°, I = 48.5°, α ₉₅ = 14.6° was obtained from the volcanoclastic rocks of the Mudurnu formation, and D = 324.3°, I = 43.3°, α ₉₅ = 9.5° was calculated for the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous limestones/Ferhatkaya formation of the Amasya region. The Jurassic rocks in the Eastern Pontides and Mudurnu region are considered to represent products of the rifted Neo-Tethys ocean, while the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous sediments in Amasya are related to basin-filling materials. The data suggest that the Kelkit formation was formed at 30.5°N paleolatitude and the equivalent Mudurnu formation at 29.5°N paleolatitude. The paleolatitude of the Eastern Pontides indicates that this rifting block was separated from Eurasia by a marginal basin instead of being a part of Eurasia. The lower paleolatitude of the Amasya region at 24.8°N in the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous clearly indicates southward drift of the Turkish blocks during the Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous period together with the motion of Eurasia.     

Paleomagnetic study of Cenozoic sediments from the Zaisan basin (SE Kazakhstan) and the Chuya depression (Siberian Altai): tectonic implications for central Asia

This paper presents new paleomagnetic results on Cenozoic rocks from northern central Asia. Eighteen sites were sampled in Pliocene to Miocene clays and sandy clays of the Zaisan basin (southeastern Kazakhstan) and 12 sites in the upper Oligocene to Pleistocene clays and sandstones of the Chuya depression (Siberian Altai).Thermal demagnetization of isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) showed that hematite and magnetite are the main ferromagnetic minerals in the deposits of the Zaisan basin. Stepwise thermal demagnetization up to 640–660 °C isolated a characteristic (ChRM) component of either normal or reverse polarity at nine sites. At two other sites, the great circles convergence method yielded a definite direction. Measurements of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility showed that the hematite-bearing sediments preserved their depositional fabric. These results suggest a primary origin of the ChRM and were substantiated by positive fold and reversal tests. The mean paleomagnetic direction for the Zaisan basin (D=9°, I=59°, k=19, α₉₅=11°) is close to the expected direction derived from the APW path of Eurasia [J. Geophys. Res. 96 (1991) 4029] and shows that the basin did not rotated relative to stable Asia during the Tertiary.In the upper Pliocene–Pleistocene sandstones of the Chuya depression, a very stable ChRM carried by hematite was found. Its mean direction (D=9°, I=46°, k=25, α₉₅=7°) is characterized by declination close to the one excepted for early Quaternary, whereas inclination is lower. In the middle Miocene to lower Pliocene clays and sandstones, a stable ChRM of both normal and reverse polarities carried by magnetite was isolated. Its mean direction (D=332°, I=63°, k=31, α₉₅=4°) is deviated with respect to the reference direction and implies a Neogene, 39±8° counterclockwise rotation of the Chuya depression relative to stable Asia. These results and those from the literature suggest that the different amount of rotation found in the two basins is related to a sharp variation in their tectonic style, predominantly compressive in the Zaisan basin and transpressive in the Siberian Altai. At a larger scale, the pattern of vertical axis rotations deduced from paleomagnetic data in northern central Asia is consistent with the hypothesis of a large left-lateral shear zone running from the Pamirs to the Baikal. Heterogeneous rotations, however, indicate changes in style of faulting along the shear zone and local effect for the domains with the largest rotations.     

华南早三叠世的古地磁学与大地构造

从华南几个具代表性地点的下三叠统灰岩中,获得了有意义的古地磁学初步结果。这些结果支持华南存在分离板块的设想。根据新近获得的地质与古地磁学证据,推断华南存在4个岩石图板块。它们是扬子(D=232.4°,I=-11.8°,K=28.2,α₉₅=5.5°),湘桂(D=198.0°,I=32.2°,α₉₅=12.9°),华夏(D=88.0°,I=13.0°,K=20.1,α₉₅=9.1°)和海南(上二叠统D=338.2°,I=15.9°,K=10.2,α₉₅=14.3°)板块。4个板块的古地磁极位分散,纬度差明显,并存在碰撞后的局部与区域性的旋转作用,尤其是顺时针旋转。华南早中生代的大地构造可理解为4个来自古特提斯和冈瓦纳的岩石圈碎块与欧亚大陆聚合作用的产物。     

A palaeomagnetic investigation of the Malvernian and Old Radnor Precambrian,Welsh Borderlands

Alternating field and thermal demagnetization of igneous rocks of the Malvern Hills identifies a number of magnetite-held components which are characterized by a high blocking temperature (M2) component D = 283°, I = 47°, and lower blocking temperature (M3) component D = 269°, I = −43° which is of complex origin or more than one age. Two subordinate components are (M1) D = 7°, I = 56° and (M4) D = 174°, I = 51° in later dolerites. A pervasive hematite-held remanence with a mean D = 186°, I = −5° is linked to Hercynian palaeofield directions and the uplift/folding of the Malvernian axis. The similarity of the magnetization directions in the Stanner–Hanter (702 Ma) and Malvernian (681 Ma) rocks suggests that folding of the Palaeozoic rocks in the Malvern Hills was achieved by upthrust of the basement and involved little folding of the latter. The Old Radnor sediments possess a post-folding remanence D = 117°, I = −13° of probable Cambrian age and a subordinate remanence which may be Hercynian in age. The late Precambrian–Cambrian palaeomagnetic record (ca. 700–500 Ma) of England and Wales is compared with data from the Armorican Massif. Although the apparent polar wander (a.p.w.) paths are widely dissimilar prior to 550 Ma, the two regions had similar latitudes and went through similar palaeolatitudinal movements throughout this interval. The palaeomagnetic data support models involving tectonic rotations but little closure across this part of the Hercynian Belt.     

Paleomagnetism and U–Pb geochronology of the Black Range dykes,Pilbara Craton,Western Australia: a Neoarchean crossing of the polar circle

We report a new paleomagnetic pole for the Black Range Dolerite Suite of dykes, Pilbara craton, Western Australia. We replicate previous paleomagnetic results from the Black Range Dyke itself, but find that its magnetic remanence direction lies at the margin of a distribution of nine dyke mean directions. We also report two new minimum ID-TIMS ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb baddeleyite ages from the swarm, one from the Black Range Dyke itself (>2769 ± 1 Ma) and another from a parallel dyke whose remanence direction lies near the centre of the dataset (>2764 ± 3 Ma). Both ages are slightly younger than a previous combined SHRIMP ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb baddeleyite weighted mean date from the same swarm, with slight discordance interpreted as being caused by thin metamorphic zircon overgrowths. The updated Black Range suite mean remanence direction (D = 031.5°, I = 78.7°, k = 40, α₉₅ = 8.3°) corresponds to a paleomagnetic pole calculated from the mean of nine virtual geomagnetic poles at 03.8°S, 130.4°E, K = 13 and A₉₅ = 15.0°. The pole's reliability is bolstered by a positive inverse baked-contact test on a younger Round Hummock dyke, a tentatively positive phreatomagmatic conglomerate test, and dissimilarity to all younger paleomagnetic poles from the Pilbara region and contiguous portions of Australia. The Black Range pole is distinct from that of the Mt Roe Basalt (or so-called ‘Package 1’ of the Fortescue Group), which had previously been correlated with the Black Range dykes based on regional stratigraphy and imprecise SHRIMP U–Pb ages. We suggest that the Mt Roe Basalt is penecontemporaneous to the Black Range dykes, but with a slight age difference resolvable by paleomagnetic directions through a time of rapid drift of the Pilbara craton across the Neoarchean polar circle.     

Internal deformation of Sikhote Alin volcanic belt, far eastern Russia: Paleocene paleomagnetic results

We present paleomagnetic results of Paleocene welded tuffs of the 53–50 Ma Bogopol Group from the northern region (46°N, 137°E) of the Sikhote Alin volcanic belt. Characteristic paleomagnetic directions with high unblocking temperature components above 560 °C were isolated from all the sites. A tilt-corrected mean paleomagnetic direction from the northern region is D=345.8°, I=49.9°, α₉₅=14.6° (N=9). The reliability of the magnetization is ascertained through the presence of normal and reversed polarities. The mean paleomagnetic direction from the northern region of the Sikhote Alin volcanic belt reflects a counterclockwise rotation of 29° from the Paleocene mean paleomagnetic direction expected from its southern region. The counterclockwise rotation of 25° is suggested from the paleomagnetic data of the Kisin Group that underlies the Bogopol Group. These results establish that internal tectonic deformation occurred within the Sikhote Alin volcanic belt over the past 50 Ma. The northern region from 44.6° to 46.0°N in the Sikhote Alin volcanic belt was subjected to counterclockwise rotational motion through 29±17° with respect to the southern region. The tectonic rotation of the northern region is ascribable to relative motion between the Zhuravlevka terrane and the Olginsk–Taukhinsk terranes that compose the basements of the Sikhote Alin volcanic belt.     

Paleomagnetic evidence for post-Cretaceous internal deformation of the Chuan Dian Fragment in the Yangtze block: a consequence of indentation of India into Asia

Paleomagnetic samples of Paleocene–Eocene red sandstones were collected at 36 sites from the Jiangdihe-4 and Zhaojiadian formations around the Yongren (26.1°N, 101.7°E) and Dayao areas (25.7°N, 101.3°E). These areas are located in the Chuxiong basin of the Chuan Dian Fragment, southwestern part of the Yangtze block. After stepwise thermal demagnetization, a high-temperature component with unblocking temperature of about 680 °C is isolated from 26 sites. The primary nature of this magnetization is ascertained through positive fold and reversal tests at 95% confidence level. The tilt-corrected mean paleomagnetic directions for the Yongren and Dayao areas are D=17.2°, I=26.6° with α₉₅=5.8° and D=16.5°, I=31.1° with α₉₅=4.8, respectively. Easterly deflected declinations from this study are consistent with those reported from other areas of the Chuxiong basin, indicating its wide presence in the Cretaceous–Eocene formations of the said basin. Comparison with declination values expected from the Cretaceous–Eocene APWP of Eurasia indicates that the magnitude of clockwise rotation systematically increases toward the southeast within the Chuxiong basin as well as in the Chuan Dian Fragment. This trend of the differential tectonic rotation in the Chuan Dian Fragment is consistent with curvature of the Xianshuihe–Xiojiang fault system. Deformation of the Chuxiong basin can fairly be associated with the formation of eastward bulge in the southern part of the Chuan Dian fragment. During southward displacement, the Chuan Dian Fragment was probably subjected to tectonic stresses as a result interaction with the Yangtze and Indochina blocks, which resulted into east–west extension and north–south shortening.     

Reconnaissance paleomagnetism of Late Triassic blocks, Kuyul region, Northern Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

The northernmost Kamchatka Peninsula is located along the northwestern margin of the Bering Sea and consists of complexly deformed accreted terranes. Progressing inland from the northwestern Bering Sea, the Olyutorskiy, Ukelayat and Koryak superterranes (OLY, UKL and KOR) are crossed. These terranes were accreted to the backstop Okhotsk-Chukotsk volcanic-plutonic belt (OChVB) in northernmost Kamchatka. A sedimentary sequence of Albian to Maastrichtian age overlaps the terranes and units of the Koryak superterrane, and constrains their accretion time. A paleomagnetic study of blocks within the Kuyul (KUY) terrane of the Koryak superterrane was completed at two localities (Camp 2: λ=61.83°N, φ=165.83°E and Camp 3: λ=61.67°N, φ=164.75°E). At both localities, paleomagnetic samples were collected from Late Triassic (225–208 Ma) limestone blocks (2–10 m in outcrop height) within a melange zone. Although weak in remanent magnetization, two components of remanent magnetization were observed during stepwise thermal demagnetization at 32 sites. The A component of magnetization was observed between room temperature and approximately 250 °C. This magnetic component is always of downward directed inclination and shows the best grouping at relatively low degrees of unfolding. Using McFadden–Reid inclination-only statistics and averaging all site means, the resulting A component mean is I_opt=60.3°, I₉₅=5.0° and n=36 (sites). The B magnetic component is observed up to 565 °C, at which temperature, most samples have no measurable remanent magnetization, or growth of magnetic minerals has disrupted the thermal demagnetization process. Combining sites with Fisher estimates of kappa (k-value)≥13 and n (sites)≥3, where bedding orientation differs within a block, most of these sites show the best grouping of B component directions at 100% unfolding, and two of the blocks display remanent magnetizations of both upward and downward directed magnetic inclination. Combining sites with Fisher estimates of kappa (k-value)≥13 and n (sites)≥3, the resulting overall B component paleolatitude and associated uncertainty are λ_obs=30.4°N or S, λ₉₅=8.9° and n=19 (sites). When compared with the expected North America paleolatitude of λ_{APWP expected}=57.9°N, our data support a model in which blocks within the Koryak superterrane are allochthonous and far travelled.     

Combined paleomagnetic and geochronological study on Cretaceous strata of the Qiangtang terrane,central Tibet

A combined paleomagnetic and geochronological investigation has been performed on Cretaceous rocks in southern Qiangtang terrane (32.5°N, 84.3°E), near Gerze, central Tibetan Plateau. A total of 14 sites of volcanic rocks and 22 sites of red beds have been sampled. Our new U–Pb geochronologic study of zircons dates the volcanic rocks at 103.8 ± 0.46 Ma (Early Cretaceous) while the red beds belong to the Late Cretaceous. Rock magnetic experiments suggest that magnetite and hematite are the main magnetic carriers. After removing a low temperature component of viscous magnetic remanence, stable characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) was isolated successfully from all the sites by stepwise thermal demagnetization. The tilt-corrected mean direction from the 14 lava sites is D = 348.0°, I = 47.3°, k = 51.0, α₉₅ = 5.6°, corresponding to a paleopole at 79.3°N, 339.8°E, A₉₅ = 5.7° and yielding a paleolatitude of 29.3° ± 5.7°N for the study area. The ChRM directions isolated from the volcanic rocks pass a fold test at 95% confidence, suggesting a primary origin. The volcanic data appear to have effectively averaged out secular variation as indicated by both geological evidence and results from analyzing the virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) scatter. The mean inclination from the Late Cretaceous red beds, however, is 13.1° shallower than that of the ~ 100 Ma volcanic rocks. After performing an elongation/inclination analysis on 174 samples of the red beds, a mean inclination of 47.9° with 95% confidence limits between 41.9° and 54.3° is obtained, which is consistent with the mean inclination of the volcanic rocks. The site-mean direction of the Late Cretaceous red beds after tilt-correction and inclination shallowing correction is D = 312.6°, I = 47.7°, k = 109.7, α₉₅ = 3.0°, N = 22 sites, corresponding to a paleopole at 49.2°N, 1.9°E, A₉₅ = 3.2° (yielding a paleolatitude of 28.7° ± 3.2°N for the study area). The ChRM of the red beds also passes a fold test at 99% confidence, indicating a primary origin. Comparing the paleolatitude of the Qiangtang terrane with the stable Asia, there is no significant difference between our sampling location in the southern Qiangtang terrane and the stable Asia during ~ 100 Ma and Late Cretaceous. Our results together with the high quality data previously published suggest that an ~ 550 km N–S convergence between the Qiangtang and Lhasa terranes happened after ~ 100 Ma. Comparison of the mean directions with expected directions from the stable Asia indicates that the Gerze area had experienced a significant counterclockwise rotation after ~ 100 Ma, which is most likely caused by the India–Asia collision.     

Palaeomagnetism of igneous rocks of the Lake District (Caledonian) terrane,Northern England: palaeozoic motions and deformation at a leading edge of Avalonia

The Lake District terrane of northern England comprises Upper Cambrian–Silurian sediments and volcanics accumulated at the northern margin of the Avalonian Plate during growth and demise of the Iapetus Ocean. Ocean closure and suturing resulted in Late Ordovician and Acadian tectonism and were accompanied by emplacement of a large regional batholith. Palaeomagnetic study of intrusive igneous rocks, including application of thermal demagnetization, field tests and principal component analysis, identifies a history of Ordovician to Devonian magnetization. Late plutons (Shap and Skiddaw granites and/or aureoles) record a shallow dipolar (A3) axis (mean declination/inclination (D/I=278/+17°) dating from emplacement in late Early Devonian times (c. 395 Ma). Although this axis is recorded as a sporadic overprint in older rocks, no pervasive remagnetization is attributable to batholith emplacement. Instead, the Carrock Fell Complex Layered Gabbros have a mid- to late Ordovician (A1) remanence (D/I)=17·4/−58·1°, 36 samples, α₉₅=4·8°) predating regional F2 folding. Later events in this igneous complex comprise the Carrock Fell Granophyre with a post-folding Ordovician remanence, and Round Knott Dolerite with a remanence linked to hydrothermal alteration late in the Ordovician magmatic episode. A Late Ordovician (Ashgill) palaeofield is also defined by remanence (A2) in the Threlkeld–St John's Microgranite and aureole (438 Ma, D/I=236·5/63·3°, 41 samples, α₉₅=4·7°). Other intrusions carrying a remanence predating the Acadian deformation include the Great Cockup Picrite (458 Ma, D/I=43·2/−31·8°, 31 samples, α₉₅=7·7°) and basic intrusives in the aureole of the Eskdale Granite (429 Ma, D/I=174·5/25·8°, 32 samples, α₉₅=8·8°). Collectively the palaeomagnetic data from this terrane identify a hairpin in the apparent polar wander path during Late Ordovician (Caradoc–Ashgill) times corresponding to ‘soft’ closure of the Iapetus suture and accompanying deformation. The same motion is recognized in contemporaneous data from the Welsh Caledonides where declinations are rotated by c. 55° relative to contemporaneous results from the Lake District. Adjustment for this (probable late Acadian) rotation beings fold trends of the Paratectonic Caledonides into alignment and identifies a parallel mid- to late Ordovician destructive plate margin comprising forearc (Lake District) and backarc (North Wales). This arc was oriented latitudinally in mid-southerly latitudes during formation and the bulk of the magmatism occurred during a single normal-polarity chron. The relationships between magnetization and folding in both the Lake District and Welsh Borderlands identify the importance of Late Ordovician deformation along this arc during collision of Avalonia and Laurentia. Arc-related volcanism was succeeded in Silurian times by parallel foreland basins embracing the Welsh Basin and southern Lake District as the Laurentian Plate overrode the Avalonian Plate. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.