Paleomagnetic, petromagnetic, and terrigenous—Mineralogical studies of Upper Bathonian—Lower Callovian sediments in the Prosek section, Nizhni Novgorod region

Abstract

The Bathonian—Callovian boundary section located near the Prosek Settlement (Nizhni Novgorod region) is described with the characteristic of its grain-size composition and terrigenous—mineralogical, petromagnetic, and paleomagnetic properties. Based on lithological—mineralogical and petromagnetic data, the section is subdivided into four members corresponding to the most significant sedimentation rhythms. No sharp changes in the composition of sediments are noted through the section, which indicates its relative continuity. Despite the significant re magnetization of these sediments during the Quaternary, the characteristic component (ChRM) is definable by the method of the intersection of large circles. The similarity between coordinates of the calculated virtual geomagnetic pole (VGMP) and the positions of standard virtual geomagnetic poles in the stable European continent during corresponding periods serves as an important argument in favor of the primary nature of the ChRM. The compiled magnetostratigraphic section is well consistent with the paleomagnetic zonation, established in the coeval sediments of “West Europe. As compared with the Bathonian—Callovian boundary section in the Albstadt—Pfeffingen of Germany, which claims to the GSSP role, the Prosek section represents a more favorable object for paleomagnetic studies. Combined with the lack of large-scale gaps in the sedimentary record and, with other conditions being equal, this makes this section a more preferable candidate for the Callovian GSSP standard.