Palaeomagnetic excursions recorded in mid-Weichselian cave sediments from Skjonghelleren, Valderøy, W. Norway

https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9201(87)90041-0Get rights and content

Abstract

Anomalous single component palaeomagnetic directions in laminated clay-silt sediments in the non-karstic Skjonghelleren cave, W. Norway, are interpreted to record two high-resolution, but incomplete records of geomagnetic field excursions. A depositional, non-distorted origin of magnetization, carried by ultra-fine magnetite/maghemite grains, has been inferred from field evidence, redeposition experiments and magnetic fabric properties. The sediments deposited sub-glacially between 56 ka to 12 ka, determined by consistent isotope ages obtained from bones and travertine. The youngest excursion (< 30 ka), defined by two equatorial anticlockwise VGP loops, are readily correlated with one of the synchrone Lake Mungo VGP positions, suggesting a phase of global instability of the geomagnetic field. Meridionally constrained, low-latitudinal VGP paths for the oldest excursion (< 56 ka), have features consistent with transitional field geometries, suggesting an aborted reversal origin of this event.

References (33)

  • K.M. Creer et al.

    Palaeomagnetic dating of cave paintings in the Tito Bustillo Cave, Asturia, Spain

    Science

    (1974)
  • K.M. Creer et al.

    Secular oscillations of the geomagnetic field recorded by sediments deposited in caves in the Mediterranean region

    Geophys. J. R. Astron. Soc.

    (1976)
  • P. Dankers

    Relationship between median destructive field and remanent acquisition coercive forces for dispersed natural magnetite, titanomagnetite and hematite

    Geophys. J. R. Astron. Soc.

    (1981)
  • S. Doe et al.

    The Late Pleistocene geomagnetic field as recorded by sediments from Fargher Lake, Washington, U.S.A.

    Earth Planet. Sci. Lett.

    (1983)
  • R.A. Fisher

    Dispersion on a sphere

  • K.P. Games

    The magnitude of the palaeomagnetic field: a new non-thermal, non-detrital method using Sundried bricks

    Geophys. J.R. Astron. Soc.

    (1977)
  • Cited by (21)

    • Comparing depositional modes of cave sediments using magnetic anisotropy

      2020, Journal of Archaeological Science
      Citation Excerpt :

      Although magnetic fabrics in sediments has been studied in a variety of depositional environments, data from cave deposits are scarce. Some of the pioneering studies include Noel and Pierre (1984), Noel (1986a, 1986b), Løvlie and Sandnes (1987) and Løvlie et al. (1995) among a few other, and more recently Häuselmann et al. (2015). Overall, such studies in fine-grained sediments reveal well defined magnetic foliated fabrics that are concordant with the depositional plane.

    View all citing articles on Scopus
    View full text