Anisotropy Of Magnetic Susceptibility Lineations Research Articles

Relationship between the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility and development of the Haymana Anticline, Central Anatolia (Turkey)

Integrated structural and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) analyses were carried out on the Campanian- Maastrichtian shale-mudstone dominated sedimentary sequences (Haymana Formation) cropping out within the doubly plunging Haymana Anticline in Central Anatolia (Turkey). In order to understand the relationship between the development of magnetofabrics and the tectonic processes, six sites from different parts of the anticline were sampled and analyzed. AMS lineations from 634 cylindrical samples and structural data were collected in the field. The results show very high correlation with the structural trend of the region and indicate that the maximum susceptibility vector (k1) is almost parallel to the Haymana Anticline fold axis (~E-W) and the trace of the Dereköy Thrust Fault, which is the basin-bounding fault at the northern margin of the Haymana Basin. In order to assess the relationship between shortening ratios and obtained AMS vectors, a number of balanced cross-sections are constructed along five traverses almost perpendicular to the axis of the anticline. Results from both the AMS and the balanced cross-sections yielded similar shortening ratios (~18%-32%) that decrease towards the eastern closure of the anticline from its culmination. In a regional sense, we related these results to compressional/transpressional deformation that formed during the Eocene to Early Miocene period. Differential shortening ratios calculated from AMS and restored balanced cross-sections indicate that the shortening is associated with the transcurrent tectonics, possibly in relation with rotational convergence of the Pontides and the Taurides and/or the oblique indentation of the Kırşehir Block into the Pontides during or subsequent to the collision.

Tectonic evolution of a Laramide transverse structural zone: Sweetwater Arch, south central Wyoming

AbstractStructural, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), and paleomagnetic data record patterns of layer‐parallel shortening (LPS), vertical‐axis rotation, and regional fault‐fold evolution across the Sweetwater Arch, a major west to WNW trending, basement‐cored Laramide uplift in Wyoming. The southern arch flank is bounded by a WNW striking reverse fault zone that imbricated basement and cover rocks, the northern flank is bounded by a west striking fault zone with a component of strike‐slip and NW trending en echelon folds, and the eastern plunge transitions into an area of multiple‐trending faults and folds. Synorogenic strata record major arch uplift from Maastrichtian to Early Eocene time, followed by arch collapse. LPS, with development of systematic minor fault sets and AMS lineations, preceded large‐scale folding. LPS directions, estimated from both minor fault and AMS data, were oriented WSW along the northern flank, subparallel to Laramide regional shortening, but were refracted to the SSW along the southern flank, and to the west along the eastern arch plunge. Additional minor faults developed along steep fold limbs during continued shortening, with directions remaining SSW along the southern flank but becoming more variable along the eastern plunge where an increasingly heterogeneous stress field developed as additional faults were activated along basement heterogeneities. Vertical‐axis rotation was limited along the arch flanks, whereas the eastern plunge underwent counterclockwise rotation. Deflections in shortening directions were partly related to basement heterogeneities, including weak supracrustal belts on the arch flanks, a strong granitic core, and local reactivation of Precambrian shear zones.

The curved Magallanes fold and thrust belt: Tectonic insights from a paleomagnetic and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility study

The Magallanes fold and thrust belt (FTB) presents a large-scale curvature from N-S oriented structures north of 52°S to nearly E-W in Tierra del Fuego Island. We present a paleomagnetic and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) study from 85 sites sampled in Cretaceous to Miocene marine sediments. Magnetic susceptibility is lower than 0.0005 SI for 76 sites and mainly controlled by paramagnetic minerals. AMS results indicate that the sedimentary fabric is preserved in the undeformed areas of Tierra del Fuego and the more external thrust sheets units, where an incipient lineation due to layer parallel shortening is recorded. Prolate AMS ellipsoids, indicating a significant tectonic imprint in the AMS fabric, are observed in the internal units of the belt. AMS results show a good correlation between the orientation of the magnetic lineation and the fold axes. However, in Península Brunswick, the AMS lineations are at ~20° counterclockwise to the strike of the fold axes. Pretectonic stable characteristic remanent magnetizations (ChRM) were determined in seven sites. A counterclockwise rotation (21.2° ± 9.2°) is documented by ChRM data from four sites near the hinge of the belt in Península Brunswick and near Canal Whiteside while there is no evidence of rotation near the nearly E-W oriented Vicuña thrust within Tierra del Fuego. The curved shape of the Cenozoic Magallanes FTB is not related to vertical axis rotation, and thus, the Magallanes FTB can be considered as a primary arc.

Towards a better understanding of the influence of basement heterogeneities and lithospheric coupling on foreland deformation: A structural and paleomagnetic study of Laramide deformation in the southern Bighorn Arch, Wyoming

Integrated structural, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), and paleomagnetic analyses of sedimentary cover rocks along variably oriented major faults and en echelon fold systems in the southern Bighorn Arch, Wyoming, were undertaken to test kinematic and mechanical models of Laramide thick-skin deformation. The Laramide foreland is characterized by an anastomosing network of basement-cored arches and associated cover folds that trend overall NW-SE, but in detail are curved, range from N-S to E-W trending, and form both right- and left-stepping en echelon systems. Development of variably trending Laramide arches has been variously attributed to temporal changes in stress directions, wrench faulting, and localization of deformation related to basement heterogeneities during regional SW-NE shortening. Within the southern Bighorn Arch, widespread but limited layer-parallel shortening (LPS) was accommodated mostly by minor faults with conjugate wedge and strike-slip geometries early in the deformation history. LPS directions vary from perpendicular to acute with local fold structural trends, consistent with a single shortening episode. Although internal strain is limited, weak AMS lineations defined by kinked and rotated phyllosilicates are widely developed and consistently perpendicular to LPS directions. Structurally restored paleomagnetic declinations record only limited, non-systematic vertical-axis rotations, indicating that wrenching was not an important component of the deformation field during development of the southern Bighorn Arch and that curvature of the arch was a primary feature. Palinspastically restored LPS directions are on average WSW-ENE, but display local deflections related to heterogeneities of underlying basement blocks and proximity to major faults, some of which were localized along Precambrian shear zones and igneous dikes. Crustal shortening patterns across the Laramide foreland are interpreted to reflect deformation partitioning in response to a single far-field shortening direction partly related to flat-slab subduction along with effects of pre-existing basement weaknesses and strain softening during progressive faulting.

Layer-parallel shortening across the Sevier fold-thrust belt and Laramide foreland of Wyoming: spatial and temporal evolution of a complex geodynamic system

Varying patterns of layer-parallel shortening (LPS) and vertical-axis rotations from the thin-skin Sevier fold-thrust belt to the thick-skin Laramide foreland of Wyoming are quantified from integrated structural, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), and paleomagnetic analyses. Within the Sevier belt, widespread early LPS was accommodated by spaced cleavage, fracture sets, minor folds, and minor faults. LPS directions are subperpendicular to structural trends of systematically curved thrust sheets of the Wyoming salient, reflecting a combination of primary dispersion and secondary rotation during thrusting. Within the Laramide foreland, limited LPS was accommodated mostly by minor faults with conjugate wedge and strike-slip geometries. LPS directions in gentler fold limbs vary from perpendicular to acute with structural trends of variably oriented, anastomosing basement-cored arches. Steep forelimbs display more complex relations, including younger fault sets that developed during evolving stress states and localized vertical-axis rotations. Although internal strain is limited, weak AMS lineations defined by kinked and rotated phyllosilicates are widely developed and consistently oriented perpendicular to measured LPS directions. Palinspastically restored LPS directions, corrected for paleomagnetically determined vertical-axis rotations, vary on average from W–E in the Sevier belt to WSW–ENE in the Laramide foreland. In detail, LPS directions display deflections related to primary sedimentary wedge geometry and basement fabrics. LPS in the Sevier belt is interpreted to partly reflect stress transmitted from the hinterland through the growing orogenic wedge and topographic stress along the front of the wedge. LPS in the Laramide foreland is interpreted to partly reflect basal traction during flat-slab subduction beneath thick cratonic lithosphere, with spatial-temporal variations in stress trajectories related to basement heterogeneities and evolving fault systems. Evidence for significant late N–S Laramide shortening, as proposed by multi-stage shortening models, is not observed.

Emplacement in an extensional setting of the Mont Lozère–Borne granitic complex (SE France) inferred from comprehensive AMS, structural and gravity studies

The emplacement mode and setting of the Late Hercynian Mont Lozère–Borne granitic complex (French Massif Central), which consists of several plutons, is investigated. Structural and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) studies have been carried out to characterize the internal fabrics of the granitic plutons. Throughout the Pont-de-Montvert–Borne pluton, an E–W-trending magnetic lineation is well developed. In the host rock and the thermal aureole, a conspicuous E–W-trending lineation is interpreted as an evidence of a late-orogenic extensional event. To the east of the pluton, the AMS fabric is characterized by values of anisotropy degree ( P′) around 4–5% with a prolate ellipsoid and subsolidus structures, whereas, to the west, the P′ parameter is weaker with an oblate ellipsoid and purely magmatic microstructures. A gravity investigation allows determination of the 3D shape of the pluton. The western part of the granitic complex is thicker than the eastern one and is interpreted as the feeder zone. This suggests an eastward spreading of the magma. The consistency between regional stretching and directions of AMS lineations in the pluton and the shape of the complex deduced from gravity strongly argues that the emplacement mode of the complex was influenced by the regional extensional tectonic setting during the collapse of the Hercynian belt.

Tectonic rotations within the Bolivian Altiplano: Implications for the geodynamic evolution of the central Andes during the late Tertiary

Paleomagnetic results from 61 sites in Tertiary red beds and volcanic rocks from the Bolivian Andes allow quantification of tectonic rotations within the Altiplano domain. A total of 16 sites were also obtained in lower Miocene ignimbrites that cover the forearc of the north Chilean Andes near Arica. In the southern Altiplano (Lipez region) a local clockwise rotation of up to 38° is recorded in lower Miocene volcanic rocks. Farther north, near the Salar de Uyuni, there is no evidence of significant rotations. Counterclockwise rotations are observed in the Northern Altiplano. The largest counterclockwise rotation (28°) is found in Eocene‐Oligocene red beds (Tiwanaku Formation) along the eastern border of the Corque syncline. Middle Miocene sediments located within the center of the Corque basin record a counterclockwise rotation of only 10°. About 200 km north of the Corque basin, Eocene‐Oligocene sedimentary rocks near the locality of Viacha record only 10° counterclockwise rotation. Paleomagnetic results in lower Miocene ignimbrites from the forearc near the Arica bend do not show evidence for late Cenozoic rotation of the forearc. These new results suggest that the 20° to 25° counterclockwise rotation of the southern Peruvian forearc occurred prior to the Miocene. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data show a magnetic fabric mostly controlled by bedding, but slight AMS lineations are found almost parallel to the major regional structural trends such as fold axes. The apparent relationship between tectonic rotations, AMS lineations, and structural trends suggests that rotations occured after or during the final stage of folding. Paleomagnetic data obtained in Paleozoic rocks show evidence of clockwise rotation of the southern sub‐Andean ranges. Tectonic rotations during the Neogene are mostly localized on the eastern side of the central Andes. The curvature of the occidental margin near Arica was likely acquired prior to the last stage of Andean deformation. Although the magnitude of the rotations may vary from one locality to the other, there is a consistent pattern showing counterclockwise rotations to the north and clockwise to the south. A large‐scale regional mechanism is needed to explain this pattern of tectonic rotations within the central Andes. We propose a model in which along‐strike segmentation of the Andean foreland and indentation of the Altiplano by a curved forearc are the major factors controlling tectonic rotations within the Altiplano, Eastern Cordillera, and sub‐Andean ranges.

Correlation of deposits and vent locations of the proximal Campanian Ignimbrite deposits, Campi Flegrei, Italy, based on natural remanent magnetization and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility characteristics

Correlation of the distal deposits of the Campanian Ignimbrite with their proximal equivalents in the Campi Flegrei caldera is complicated by a lack of medial exposures, complex and limited proximal stratigraphic sections, and large lateral facies changes. Paleomagnetic data from 10 sites in and near the Campi Flegrei yield natural remanent magnetizations (NRM) that are statistically indistinguishable from the distal Campanian Ignimbrite. In addition, their virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) yields a possible correlation with Lac du Bouchet, France, secular variation data that indicate an age of approximately 32,850 14 C years. The secular variation curve at this age was only briefly at this VGP, and did not return to it for >10,000 years, so the paleomagnetic correlation of proximal and distal deposits is unique and robust. The date is consistent with 14 C dates from the Campanian Ignimbrite, but younger than 39 Ar/ 40 Ar dates for the same rocks. This suggests that a better correction factor for cosmic flux for this time period is needed to calibrate older 14 C dates. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data show that the proximal deposits have an oblate (disk-shaped), poorly lineated magnetic fabric. The distal deposits are much better lineated. The difference may be due to chaotic depositional currents in the proximal areas, in which particles were not well aligned. With greater distance of travel, and loss of energy, particles within the flow became aligned and developed stronger AMS lineations. Early eruptions of the Piperno Tuff were from a central vent north of Pozzuoli, whereas later tuffs that underlie the Breccia Museo may have been emplaced by flows associated with ring vents located on the northern and southern caldera margins.

The reliability of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data as flow direction indicators in friable base surge and ignimbrite deposits: Italian examples

The base surge deposits in Linosa and Procida islands (Italy) show minimum axes ( K 3) of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) that are mostly parallel to the flow directions inferred from field evidence, but sometimes perpendicular to them. Samples from different heights above the base of an ignimbrite bed (Vulsini area, Italy), showing a coarse tail reverse grading and a fine-grained basal layer, have different magnetic fabrics: at 10 and 40 cm from the base the declinations of maximum axes ( K 1) of the AMS are approximately 90 ° from the theoretical flow direction, whereas at 60 and 75 cm from the base the K 1 axes are approximately parallel to the flow direction. This bed also shows a decrease upward of the magnetic foliation, lineation and degree of anisotropy, suggesting that the AMS data could be used to obtain information about flow mechanisms. The AIRM data in the case of the ignimbrite bed show that the long shape axes of the ferromagnetic grains are probably aligned with the maximum axes of the AMS. For this reason the change in the magnetic fabric at different distances from the base is probably due to differences in the flow behaviour rather than the domain state of magnetite grains. This study shows that the AMS lineations can indicate the flow direction in base surge and ignimbrite deposits but other geological and magnetic information is necessary to assess if these lineations are flow perpendicular or flow parallel.

Palaeomagnetic study of the Xitle-Pedregal de San Angel lava flow, southern Basin of Mexico

A detailed study of the ∼ 2000 years old Xitle-Pedregal de San Angel volcanic field in the southern Basin of Mexico was undertaken to assess the reliability of the palaeomagnetic record as derived from fresh well-preserved and exposed lava flows. The Xitle vent is on the slope of the Ajusco volcano, which results in a topographic difference of over 800 m in less than 12 km of horizontal distance. Most sites present a mean direction, with a small within-site dispersion, around the dipolar direction for the locality, but some sites, particularly in the basin sector of flat relief away from the vent, show shallow inclinations. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) shows normal ‘flow’ fabrics with horizontal foliation planes and small anisotropy degree. AMS lineations correlate with observed flow directions. The magnetic properties vary systematically across flow units, but directions do not show a consistent pattern. Secular variation effects do not apparently contribute to the shallow inclinations or directional scatter. Some lava structures like pressure crests and blocky fronts give shallow inclinations and scattered directions, respectively. The resulting overall mean direction is well defined and close to the dipolar direction ( B = 26, Dec = 359.8°, Inc = 32.8°, k = 167, α 95 = 2.2°), but this excludes two apparent directional groups. The mean direction for one group, with B = 19, Dec = 359.0°, Inc = 35.1°, k = 247, α 95 = 2.1°, may be the representative estimate for the field. Shallow inclinations are considered anomalous and associated to a characteristic specific to given sectors of lava flows. Palaeointensity determinations have been obtained for six samples from five sites by using the Thellier and Shaw methods. Results agree well with previous studies, however, the standard deviation calculated for the mean value remains high after incorporation of the new data. Mean palaeointensity based on five new determinations and eight early data is N = 13, 56.50 ± 6.16 mT (and the mean for the overall data set is N = 20, 60.50 ± 9.21 mT). Results illustrate some practical considerations and limitations in methodology and the reliability of the palaeomagnetic record in volcanic rocks.

Center-to-center analysis and flow fabric characterization in ash-flow tuffs

The center-to-center method of strain analysis can be used to estimate flow lineation in high-silica ash-flow tuffs. It can be used as an alternative or supplement to other techniques for flow lineation identification, such as the examination of flow textures in thin sections and the measurement of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility. The center-to-center method is a modification of a technique described by Fry (1979) and by Ramsay and Huber (1983) for determination of finite strain based on the spacing of particles within a deformed rock. In the present study, application of the method to an anticlustered array of phenocrysts in the flattening plane of an ash-flow tuff produces an ellipse with center to edge distances representative of the minimum distance between centers of phenocrysts in all directions within the flattening plane. The long axis of the ellipse corresponds to the maximum axis of finite strain; this direction is suggested to correspond to the flow lineation. The orientation of the stretching lineation was chosen both by eye and by least-squares analysis from center-to-center plots. The calculated orientation of the long ellipse axis can be varied by choice of a maximum distance between digitized objects which are included in the calculation. Comparison is made between late-stage flow lineations identified using the center-to-center method, and the AMS (anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility) method on samples of the high-silica Oligocene Bloodgood Canyon Tuff from the Mogollon-Datil volcanic field of southwestern New Mexico. Flow lineations based on center-to-center analyses of flattening plane-parallel rock slabs and thin sections agree well with AMS-derived flow lineations on most samples from which high-quality AMS lineations were obtained. Center-to-center analuses from flattening plane-perpendicular, lineation-parallel planes of ash-flow tuff produce ellipses inclined from 15° to 85° to the flattening plane, despite compaction of the ash, which should cause angles of inclination to be very low. The inclined ellipses may result from heterogeneities in grain size and distribution of phenocrysts in vertical sections of tuff, or from fragmentation of phenocrysts which occurred during the final stages of emplacement and compression. Center-to-center analyses on rock slabs rather than thin sections helps to avoid the effects of either textural heterogeneity and fragmentation of phenocrysts. With flow lineation identified by center-to-center analysis, petrographic examination of thin sections cut perpendicular to the flattening plane and parallel to the flow lineation allow for the identification of flow direction.

Magnetic fabric, flow directions, and source area of the Lower Miocene Peach Springs Tuff in Arizona, California, and Nevada

We have used anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) to define the flow fabric and possible source area of the Peach Springs Tuff, a widespread rhyolitic ash flow tuff in the Mojave Desert and Great Basin of California, Arizona, and Nevada. The tuff is an important stratigraphic marker from the Colorado Plateau to Barstow, California, a distance of 350 km; however, the location of its source caldera is unknown. Dated at 18.5 Ma by 40Ar/39 Ar, the tuff erupted during the early stages of Miocene extension along the lower Colorado River. The thicker accumulations (>100 m) occur at Kingman, Arizona, and in the Piute Mountains, California, on opposite sides of the Colorado River extensional corridor. Our AMS studies produced well‐defined magnetic lineations in 30 of 42 sites distributed throughout the tuff. Typical ratios of the principal AMS axes are 1.01 for the magnetic lineation (kmax/kint) and 1.02 for the foliation (kint/kmin); the bulk magnetic susceptibility of the Peach Springs Tuff averages 2.0×10−3 in the SI unit system. The subhorizontal lineations, which presumably parallel the flow directions, form a pattern radiating outward from the approximate center of the outcrop area. Magnetic foliations define an imbrication that generally dips away from the distal margins and toward the center of the outcrop of the tuff. The lineation and imbrication indicate a source region near the southern tip of Nevada. Defining the best intersection of the AMS lineations required restoration of major extension, strike‐slip faulting, and associated tectonic rotation in the disrupted tuff. The optimum intersection of magnetic lineations lies in the southern Black Mountains of Arizona on the eastern side of the Colorado River extensional corridor. No caldera structures are known from that area, but the area contains thick sections of the Peach Springs Tuff above a silicic volcanic center. The caldera may be buried under younger deposits in the Mohave Valley of Arizona. Tertiary granite in the Newberry Mountains may represent a deeper level of the Peach Springs Tuff vent that has been exhumed by detachment faulting.