Magnetic susceptibility anisotropy,strain, and progressive deformation in Permian sediments from the Maritime Alps (France)

The relationships among magnetic susceptibility anisotropy, finite strain, and progressive deformation have been studied in Permian red shales and slates of the Maritime Alps (southeastern France). These rocks contain deformed reduction spots which serve as finite strain indicators. The magnetic fabric of undeformed regions is modified during deformation to yield characteristic magnetic susceptibility anisotropy patterns and a magnetic equivalent of the deformation path derived from strain measurements. The magnetic fabric changes progressively from oblate to prolate, and back to oblate as deformation increases. The quantitative relationships between natural strain and magnetic anisotropy in these rocks have been determined. They differ between the less and more deformed areas, perhaps due to a change in deformation mechanism accompanying an increase in metamorphism. The relationships provide a rapid means of strain determination using magnetic measurements but their variation emphasizes the need for local structural control.