Magnetic hysteresis of limestones: facies control?

Abstract

The hysteresis properties of 116 non-red, marine limestones from 92 localities indicate that remanence is carried by magnetite of pseudo-single-domain (PSD) and small multidomain (MD) size. Pelagic limestones have paramagnetic matrices and hysteresis properties compatible with larger PSD or MD grain sizes of magnetite, probably associated with detrital clay minerals introduced by pelagic rain-out. Thus they may be less suitable recorders of stable remanence. Other limestone facies (excepting dolomitized examples) have diamagnetic matrices. They include shallow—subtidal limestones which tend to have smaller PSD sizes of magnetite, as do backreef—lagoonal, undifferentiated-shelf and reef facies. It is believed that the wide geographical and temporal range of samples minimizes effects related to post-compaction groundwater flow (late diagenesis) and that the associations recognized should be tested in future studies.