Identification of the Carrier of Magnetization in a Basalt Core from Bermuda

Abstract

Peckenham (1981) attempted to use the magnetic properties of a basalt core from Bermuda to help him define the stratigraphy of basalt flows present in the core. The results of his investigation were not helpful. Magnetic data implied that the carrier of magnetization was multidomain magnetite, petrologic evidence revealed that highly substituted spinels were the only potential magnetic phase. The magnetic properties of the basalt were determined in the present study and are similar to Peckenham's (1981) results. Further petrologic study and microprobe analysis has revealed multidomain titanomagnetite grains that support the magnetic evidence. It is thought that the titanomagnetite carries the observed remanence.

Keywords: Pages: 38 Supervisors: Patrick Ryall, James Hall