A paleomagnetic study of the layered mafic intrusion at Sept-Îles, Quebec

Abstract

A paleomagnetic study of gabbroic and anorthositic members of the Sept-Îles layered mafic intrusion has isolated a remanence with direction D = 333°, I = −29 °(remanence A) and a corresponding pole of 141 °E, 20°N. The rocks are cut by numerous diabase dykes of unknown age. The remanence carried by the dykes has direction D = 188°, I = −85 °(remanence B), with a corresponding pole of 116°E, 59°S. Another remanence, statistically identical to B (D = 186°, I = −85°), is found at dyke contacts and in the local host rock; its associated pole, 115°E, 61°S, is identical to the one derived from the dykes. This overprint is significantly different from remanence A, and is obviously related to dyke emplacement. The location of the pole derived from remanence A is in excellent agreement with many other Cambrian poles from a variety of locations throughout cratonic North America. The rocks at Sept-Îles have been previously dated radiometrically at 540 Ma. Thus, all evidence indicates that remanence A is an original thermochemical remanent magnetization, acquired during initial cooling of the intrusion in the Cambrian and prior to the emplacement of the dykes.