Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility of the Martin Formation, Saskatchewan, and its Sedimentological Implications

Abstract

The magnetic fabric of the sedimentary rocks of the Precambrian Martin Formation has been investigated in an attempt to delineate paleocurrent directions. One hundred specimens were studied from twelve sampling sites. At most of the sites, a primary depositional fabric was found with a well-marked foliation lying close to the paleohorizontal. This was substantiated by a strongly positive fold-test. Six sites possessed tightly grouped maximum susceptibility axes; a further three sites showed more dispersion but still permitted useful estimation of mean directions of lineation. The directions of paleocurrent deduced are consistent with earlier geological interpretations and suggest that the Martin Formation was deposited in a basin of rugged, block-faulted terrain.