Magnetic viscosity and paleomagnetism of the basement complex at DSDP Hole 77-538A

The basement at Catoche Knoll consists of Paleozoic gneiss and amphibolite intruded by several generations of early Jurassic diabase dikes. Upon exposure to a 1-oersted field for 9 days, the diabase and amphibolite acquire a viscous remanent magnetization (VRM) which ranges from 42 to 2047% of their natural remanent magnetization (NRM). A magnetic field of similar intensity is observed in the paleomagnetic facility of the Glomar Challenger, and it is therefore doubtful if accurate measurements of magnetic moments in such rocks can be made on board unless the facility is magnetically shielded. The significant VRM also indicates the futility of attempting to discern magnetic lineations from an ocean floor composed of such rocks. No strong correlation exists between the Königsberger ratio, which is usually less than 1, and the tendency to acquire a VRM. The VRM decay is typical of a Richter aftereffect, but the relaxation times vary widely among the samples studied. A stable remanence is observed after alternating field demagnetization to 200 Oe. The range of magnetic inclinations in the diabase dikes is consistent with 40Ar/39Ar dates of 190 and 160 Ma. The inclinations suggest that the Catoche Knoll block tilted more than 20° to the north after the final dike intrusion.

Magnetic properties of ODP Hole 116-717C

Dark gray and black mud turbidites cored on ODP Leg 116 commonly yielded large magnetic susceptibility peaks. What is more, these peaks displayed different shapes suggesting variations in sedimentological processes. Consequently, a detailed study of the magnetic properties of two of these turbidites was undertaken to better understand the source of their unusual magnetism. Physical properties were measured as was the demagnetization behavior of sample natural remanent magnetizations (NRMs). Subsequently, an anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) were imparted to the samples, demagnetized, and various grain size tests based on the behavior of these remanences were applied. Finally, magnetic concentrates from two samples were examined with a scanning electron microscope with the capability to do energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The turbidites stand out from surrounding layers because of their high susceptibilities, NRMs, ARMs, SIRMs, and ratios of ARM and SIRM to susceptibility. Their alternating field and thermal demagnetization properties and IRM acquisition curves are consistent with titanomagnetite grains as the primary magnetic mineral with some amount of hematite present. These properties are very similar to those published for samples from the Deccan flood basalts and suggest this formation as a possible source of the magnetic grains. Magnetic granulometry tests implied that the magnetic particles behave dominantly as single-domain and pseudo-single-domain grains. Moreover, they also implied that the large variation in susceptibility observed in the black mud turbidites results from a tenfold increase in the concentration of titanomagnetite grains. Electron microscope, EDX, and SIRM analyses revealed detrital titanomagnetites with typical sizes around 8-10 µm, but as large as 20-25 µm. These are probably the dominant magnetic grains in the black mud turbidites; however, ARM and susceptibility frequency-dependence suggested that there may also be a submicrometer fraction present. Most of the observed titanomagnetite grains are tabular and some display exsolution lamellae, accounting for the pseudo-single-domain behavior despite their moderate sizes. We hypothesize that the magnetic mineral concentration variations are brought about by sedimentological factors. The heavier magnetic minerals may tend to sink to the bottom of a turbidite; however, sometimes turbidite turbulence may act to keep these tabular, medium-size grains in suspension longer than some other larger or more equidimensional grains. Consequently, the susceptibility peak shape may reflect the turbidite current velocities as well as other sedimentological factors.