The history of remagnetization of sedimentary rocks: deceptions, developments and discoveries

Abstract

AbstractRemagnetizations have been recognized ever since magnetizations in rocks were demonstrably shown to have been acquired at a much later time than the formation or deposition of the rocks themselves. There was mention of remagnetizations as early as the 1950s, and in the 1960s the concept was frequently hypothesized as an explanation for repetitions and loops in apparent polar wander paths. In this paper, remagnetization features and processes are organized by magnetic carrier: hematite, magnetite, Fe-sulphides and goethite. Selected case histories are presented which are chosen in order to reveal important diagnostics, although many origins of remagnetizations are still obscure or incompletely known.