Inconsistent magnetic polarities in magnetite‐ and greigite‐bearing sediments: Understanding complex magnetizations in the late Messinian in the Adana Basin (southern Turkey)

Abstract

We present paleomagnetic, rock magnetic and scanning electron microscope data from three upper Messinian stratigraphic sections from the Adana Basin (southern Turkey). The collected samples are from fine‐grained units, which were deposited during the Messinian Salinity Crisis (within subchron C3r). Paleomagnetic results reveal an inconsistent polarity record, related to a mixture of magnetite and greigite that hinders determination of a reliable magnetostratigraphy. Three classes of samples are recognized on the basis of paleomagnetic results. The first is characterized by a single magnetization component, with normal polarity, that is stable up to 530–580°C and is carried by magnetite. The second is characterized by a single magnetization component, with reversed polarity, that is stable up to 330–420°C. This magnetization is due to greigite, which developed after formation of slumps and before tectonic tilting of the studied successions. The third is characterized by reversed polarity, which is stable up to 530–580°C. We interpret this component as a primary magnetization carried by fine‐grained and magnetically stable detrital magnetite. Results indicate that in the Adana Basin the assumption that a primary magnetization is carried by magnetite, and a magnetic overprint carried by greigite, does not hold because a late magnetic overprint has also been found for magnetite‐bearing samples. Our data illustrate the complexity of magnetostratigraphic reconstructions in successions characterized by variable mixtures of magnetic minerals with different magnetic stability that formed at different stages. We demonstrate the need to perform detailed magnetic mineralogy analyses when conducting magnetostratigraphic studies of clay‐rich sediments from marine or lacustrine environments.