A closer look at remanence‐dominated aeromagnetic anomalies: Rock magnetic properties and magnetic mineralogy of the Russell Belt microcline‐sillimanite gneiss, northwest Adirondack Mountains, New York

Abstract

A large, distinct negative aeromagnetic anomaly of over 2000 nT associated with microcline‐sillimanite‐quartz gneisses in the Russell area, northwest Adirondack Mountains, was previously shown to be remanence‐dominated, although the carriers of remanence were not well documented. Russell Belt gneisses have a strong natural remanent magnetization with steep remanence directions, D = 263°, I = −58°, an average intensity of 3.6 A/m, and typical susceptibilities of 10−4 SI. The remanence is thermochemical in origin, acquired during cooling from peak metamorphic conditions of 650°–750°C during the Ottawan Orogen (1050–1080 Ma). The reversed polarity of remanence reflects a reversed paleofield, rather than self‐reversed, contrary to earlier suggestions. The gneisses contain up to 3% oxide, predominantly metamorphic titanohematite, which accounts for the low susceptibility values and highly stable remanence. Optical observations show titanohematite grains with multiple generations of ilmenite, pyrophanite, rutile, and spinel exsolution lamellae. Microprobe analyses confirm titanohematite compositions ranging from 72 to 97% Fe2O3 with hematite83 being most typical. In rare samples, inclusions of magnetite were identified. The ubiquitous presence of titanohematite, and the rare occurrence of magnetite, is supported by thermal and alternating field demagnetization studies, saturation magnetization measurements, hysteresis properties, temperature‐hysteresis studies, and low‐temperature remanence measurements. Numerous crustal granulites have titanohematite as part of the oxide assemblage, and this may contribute a strong rémanent component to what have previously been considered to be solely induced anomalies.