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The palaeomagnetic evolution of continental red beds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

P. Turner
P. Turner
Affiliation:
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Aston in Birmingham, Gosta Green Birmingham B4 7ET
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Summary

The palaeomagnetism of continental red beds is considered in the light of evidence concerning the diagenetic origin of various textural phases of hematite. The relative roles of pigmentary hematite and specularite as magnetization carriers is discussed and it is concluded that all magnetizations are post-depositional: the magnetization of continental red beds is therefore of diagenetic origin.

Three types of non-viscous magnetization, A, B and C, are recognized in continental red beds. Type-A magnetizations retain some features of the original magnetization and are most closely coincident with the depositional age of the rocks. Type-B are composite magnetizations acquired over a long period (more than 108 yr) of time and after substantial changes in the ambient geomagnetic field. Type-C magnetizations bear no relationship to the depositional age of the rocks and represent the ultimate end-product of the diagenetic processes which affect continental red beds. Thus, these magnetizations represent stages in the diagenetic evolution of red beds. The rate of diagenetic evolution, and hence of the modification of the magnetization, is variable and depends on a variety of local geological variables.

The study enables some assessment of the reliability of palaeomagnetic data from red beds. Type-A magnetizations, although of diagenetic origin, are considered to be palaeomagnetically reliable, but only within certain limits. Red beds with Type-B and Type-C magnetizations are not considered to be generally suitable for palaeomagnetic study. Palaeomagnetic studies are, however, considered to have great potential value for dating specific diagenetic processes in continental red beds.

Type
Articles
Information
Geological Magazine , Volume 116 , Issue 4 , July 1979 , pp. 289 - 301
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1979

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