Abstract Magnetic susceptibility (MS) is a powerful tool, which is being applied increasingly on sedimentary rocks to constrain stratigraphic correlations, or as a palaeo-environmental or palaeo-climatic tool. The origin of the magnetic minerals responsible for the variations in MS can be linked to various phenomena such as detrital inputs, pedogenesis, bacterial precipitation or diagenesis. Therefore, it is critical to improve our knowledge of the origin of the MS signal in order to apply it for correlations or as a proxy. Here, we present a synthesis of the techniques that can be applied to get a better understanding of the origin of the MS signal, through comparison with other palaeo-environmental proxies, through magnetic measurements or through dissolution and direct observation of the extracted minerals. We also propose an overview of the different techniques applied in order to use MS as a correlation tool, and we show various examples of successful applications of MS as a recorder of change in past sea-level and climate. We also present the main results and activities of the IGCP-580 project ‘Application of magnetic susceptibility as a palaeo-climatic proxy on Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks and characterization of the magnetic signal’.

Abstract Recent opening of the La Thure quarry in Western Belgium allowed the collection of new data from a poorly outcropping area of the Belgian Frasnian platform. The studied section covers an interval extending from the falsiovalis to hassi s.l. Zones. Sedimentological analyses allowed the reconstruction of depositional settings in the northwestern part of the Dinant Synclinorium after the demise of the extended Givetian carbonate platform. Two depositional models are distinguished: (a) siliciclastic drowned platform during the Early Frasnian; and (b) a fore-reef depositional setting belonging to a rimmed shelf during the Middle Frasnian. Moreover, interpreted depositional settings in the northwestern part of the Dinant Synclinorium allowed to constraint the direction of the main facies belts for the Belgian Frasnian platform. Combination of MS and geochemistry demonstrates the inherent-parallel link existing between variation in MS values and proxy for terrestrial input (such as Si and Al). This observation means that, despite the remagnetization occurring within the Belgian Frasnian lithologies, the main trends in the MS signal from the La Thure section still reflect some syn-sedimentary conditions. The increase in MS and clastic input proxies recorded in distal fore-reef deposit within the punctata Zone are likely to be considered as enhanced by rapid and strong shallowing events recognized in the ‘ puncata Event’ interval.

Abstract We investigate the Late Devonian Frasnian–Famennian extinction interval in western Alberta and south China to shed light on the palaeoecological and palaeoceanographic conditions that characterize this biotic crisis. Both the Lower and Upper Kellwasser events are documented in western Canada. Only the Upper Kellwasser event has been evaluated in south China. Our multiproxy geochemical approach reveals that these events are characterized by positive δ 13 C and δ 15 N excursions and increasing magnetic susceptibility (Canada/China) and increases in detrital (Al, Si, Ti, Zr), productivity (Cu, Ni, Zn) and redox (Mo, U, V) elemental proxies (Canada). We interpret these trends as part of a systemic palaeoecological shift associated with the development of widespread terrestrial forests and their alteration of chemical–mechanical weathering patterns. Increase in detrital proxies is thus interpreted as resulting from pedogenically driven weathering on the continents that nutrified epeiric and continental margin seas. High biological productivity led to eutrophication and development of suboxic to anoxic conditions during both events and probably euxinic conditions during the Upper Kellwasser event in western Canada. Positive δ 13 C excursions are the telltale signature of excessive carbon burial, while redox proxies and δ 15 N records indicate suboxic–anoxic denitrifying conditions.

Abstract The Lower Carboniferous Mobarak Formation in the Alborz Basin (northern Iran) was deposited along the northeastern margin of Gondwana in a carbonate ramp setting. This paper focuses on the Tournaisian stratigraphic interval of this formation that crops out at the Jaban section in the southwestern Central Alborz Basin. The following facies associations, representing different ramp palaeoenvironments, have been identified: (1) mudstone–wackestone outer-ramp facies; (2) crinoidal to skeletal grainstone–packstone mid-ramp facies; (3) peloidal to crinoidal grainstone–packstone inner-ramp facies; and (4) coastal facies, which include a variety of microbial laminated to oncoidal grainstones and mudstones with evaporitic pseudomorphs. This ramp profile was affected by frequent storms that were responsible for the formation of several skeletal to non-skeletal shoals in the distal mid-ramp to the most proximal inner-ramp areas. The development of the skeletal to non-skeletal shoals along the sea side of the ramp formed a semi-enclosed lagoon sensitive to the influence of both high tides and storm surges. The magnetic susceptibility (χ in ) of all the samples was measured and compared with that of the facies from which the sample was taken. There is a clear link between χ in and the facies; the average χ in values were higher for the distal facies than for the proximal facies. The χ in profile of this Lower Carboniferous carbonate sequence reflects stratigraphic variations in response to relative changes in sea level and the input of detrital materials. In the context of the sequence stratigraphic framework, the average χ in values for lowstand and transgressive systems tract deposits are higher than for the highstand systems tract deposits. The clear link between χ in and facies indicates at least a partly preserved primary χ in signal related to the detrital inputs. However, to obtain a better understanding of the nature and origin of the minerals carrying the χ in , we performed hysteresis measurements on selected samples. It appears that the χ in signal is mainly carried by low-coercivity ferromagnetic minerals such as magnetite, with a mixture of relatively coarse grains (detrital fraction) and ultra-fine grains (probably formed during diagenesis).

Abstract This study focuses on three Bajocian and Bathonian carbonate sections from the southeastern part of the Paris Basin (Mâconnais area, in the east of France). The main goals of the study are to propose a palaeoenvironmental model, to get insight into vertical and lateral facies evolution, to improve correlations and to better understand the origin of the magnetic susceptibility (MS) signal in these deposits. The sedimentological setting corresponds to a ramp, with two types of geometries: (1) a homoclinal carbonate ramp with oolitic shoals; and (2) a multiple-slopes carbonate ramp with reef complexes. The MS signal appears to be influenced by facies and ramp geometry. The evolution of MS seems to be mainly related to changes in carbonate productivity and water agitation: oolitic facies and reef complexes, with high carbonate production show the lowest signal, while storm deposits are characterized by higher values. In addition, the MS signal from proximal tempestites have higher values than distal ones. MS appears to be a useful complementary proxy for palaeoenvironmental interpretations, correlations and sequential stratigraphy. The facies evolution, supported by MS curves, shows at least nine successive depositional sequences, which were inserted into the regional sequential canvas.

Abstract The interpretation of the primary origin of the minerals carrying the magnetic susceptibility (MS) signal from ancient rocks suffers notably from the scarcity of studies on Recent sediments. To bring new data, a study of tropical coastal sediments of New Caledonia was undertaken. This island is surrounded by a nearly uninterrupted reef barrier, isolating a wide lagoon from the open ocean. The erosion of extremely varied rocks (from mantle rocks to laterites) produces different types of detrital sediments, which are mixed with the indigenous precipitated carbonates. This generates different types of coastal sediments, detrital- or carbonate-dominated or mixed. More than 300 samples were analysed for grain size, nature of sediment, MS and geochemistry (major elements). The first results show that: (a) carbonate sands and carbonate silts are characterized by lower MS than detrital sediments; (b) the MS signal of mixed sediments is mostly influenced by the proportion of detrital sediments; (c) MS is directly correlated with Mn and Fe content; (d) beachrocks are characterized by lower MS than equivalent loose sediment; (e) the MS signal of carbonate sediments is locally positively correlated with granulometry; (f) there is no MS change between surface and 20 cm deep samples; and (g) when the subsurface sediment is reducing, the MS is higher than that from surface sediment.

Abstract High-resolution petrophysical logging magnetic susceptibility measurements (MS) and gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS), supplemented by rock magnetic measurements (anhysteretic and isothermal remanent magnetizations (ARM/IRM), frequency-dependent MS (FDMS)) and MS logs alignment using the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm, were constrained by upgraded conodont biozonation across the Lau Event interval (LEI). Two sections (Pozary and Muslovka) representing shallow-water facies in the Prague Synform were studied. Conodont data and DTW alignment show that Muslovka represents a less complete succession when compared to the Pozary. DTW alignment of the MS logs shows perfect match of the logs and detected six prominent and several minor gaps. MS logs show elevated values and triple peaks at both sections across the LEI which start in the uppermost part of the siluricus Biozone. Magnetite was identified as the main carrier of the MS signal at both sections using ARM and IRM. FDMS revealed occurrence of superparamagnetic (SP) particles at both sections in all selected samples. Furthermore, a higher contribution of SP particles to the MS signal is recorded below the Lau Event interval in the Pozary section. GRS logs show depletion in U concentrations across the LEI at both sections.

Abstract Limestones at the Puech de la Suque Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) of the Givetian–Frasnian boundary show a drastic change towards much higher magnetic susceptibility values in the Givetian rocks. Different rock magnetic parameters indicate that ferromagnetic minerals are the main controlling factor. The ferromagnetic fraction is composed of low- (magnetite-type) and high-coercivity (hematite and goethite) phases. Confirmed by the spectral reflectance, high coercivity minerals are fluctuating along the section with a higher abundance in the basal Frasnian. These phases may be of secondary origin and produced during burial stage. The magnetite-type phase contains two different grain-size populations. The identified that Stable Single-domain/Superparamagnetic (SSD/SP) particles are of diagenetic origin and their amount decreases slightly upwards. A second group of magnetite grains correspond to coarse-grained particles identified using the squareness v. coercive force plot. It is tentatively suggested here that these particles present throughout the section are of primary origin. On the contrary, the paramagnetic minerals underwent a clear diagenetic overprinting and may represent secondary minerals. The presence of a primary ferromagnetic carrier allowed the use of spectral analyses, leading to the detection of spectral peaks at 1.25 and 4 cycles/m, which can be interpreted as the result of 405-kyr and 100-kyr eccentricity forcing, respectively.

Abstract This case study provides insight into magnetic susceptibility (MS), iron and bulk-sample geochemistry patterns in an Upper Mississippian siliciclastic–carbonate cyclothemic section Polotnyanyi Zavod (Moscow Basin, Russia), with many subaerial disconformities and Stigmaria impressions. The goal of this paper is to test whether the MS and geochemical signals in this section are linked to any specific geological processes. The section is dominated by limestones but contains several siliciclastic units and numerous subaerial disconformities. This lithological heterogeneity is vividly expressed on MS and bulk geochemical logs. MS shows the strongest positive correlation to bulk iron and also strong correlations to Al 2 O 3 , MgO, K 2 O and TiO 2 , pointing to close association of iron with siliciclastic fines rich in detrital mica and clays. The correlation of iron and MS to siliciclastic fines or subaerial exposure horizons is not straightforward. The highest ferruginization with most intense MS excursions occurs in basal sooty silts and shales of three main siliciclastic units of the studied section. In addition, many other thin pedogenized shales are ferruginized and show a relative high magnetism, but some ferruginized shales are not palaeosols.

Abstract Magnetic susceptibility (MS) is commonly measured on lake sediments and used as a proxy for clastic input and soil erosion, for correlating among cores in the same lake basin and aligning successive overlapping drives of the same core. There are several common techniques for measuring MS, each with its own advantages. Here we compare three such techniques measured on a sediment core from Lake Pepin: (a) loop-sensor MS logging on wet sediment of the intact core; (b) point-sensor MS logging on wet sediment of a split (lengthwise) core; and (c) discrete MS measurements of dried subsamples using a susceptibility bridge. To obtain further information about the origin of downcore MS variability, additional magnetic measurements were performed on discrete samples to model ferrimagnetic sedimentary components. Overall trends and individual features in MS curves agree reasonably well between techniques; however, the amplitude of local minima and maxima varies according to the technique used. All three MS techniques captured distinct events c. 1900 and 1940, attributed to increases in allochthonous ferrimagnetic components. The ferrimagnetic particle flux has declined over the past half-century despite increasing sediment accumulation in Lake Pepin, suggesting a possible shift in sediment sources from fields to stream banks.

Abstract Presented here are cyclostratigraphic time-series data, using magnetic susceptibility (χ) results from Devonian Moroccan rocks to establish a floating-point age chronology, and a method that can be applied to any geological stage using geochemical or geophysical datasets as a climate proxy. The χ data are fit to an independent uniform climate model for the entire Eifelian Stage. The procedure used comprised: (a) definition of a uniform c. 405 kyr eccentricity climate model for the Eifelian, with a published duration for the Eifelian; and (b) graphical testing of the model using χ data derived from outcrop samples, here including data from the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the Emsian–Eifelian and Eifelian–Givetian stage boundaries, and an overlapping succession from Bou Tchrafine, Morocco. The time-series methods used here identify χ cycles that conform to the c. 405 kyr by graphically comparing the χ zonation with the climate model. Well-established conodont zonations developed using graphic correlation are then compared with this model, allowing time estimates for Eifelian conodont zone ranges. The time-series data indicate that the Eifelian Stage in the Middle Devonian lasted for c. 6.28 myr, the Lower Eifelian Choteč bio-event lasted for c. 600 kyr, and the Kačák bio-event in the Upper Eifelian lasted for c. 370 kyr.

Abstract Eifelian dolomites in the Zachełmie Quarry exhibit metre-scale depositional cyclicity, both in the lower, lagoonal part of the section and in the upper, shallow subtidal portion. Magnetic properties were studied in 30 samples (at c. 1 m intervals), including magnetic susceptibility (MS) and anhysteretic and isothermal remanent magnetization. The rock magnetic parameters are compared with the results of thin-section study and elemental chemistry. The forcing factors driving the MS pattern are identified. The MS signal is mostly related to a finely dispersed hematite, controlled by terrigenous input. Magnetite plays a subordinate role and it is confined to less terrigenous horizons relatively enriched in uranium and phosphorus. Results of high-resolution ( c. 8 cm intervals) MS field measurements show a good correlation with depositional shallowing-upwards cycles, especially in the lagoonal part of the section, where variations of rock magnetic properties and geochemical (redox and productivity) indices are very small. High MS values occur in the bottom part of the cycles and they decrease upwards. Time-series analyses of the MS signal reveal the dominance of c. 1.7 m cycles, grouped into c. 10 m bundles. The former cycles probably reflect precession-driven changes in monsoonal intensity, whereas the latter may have been controlled by 100 kyr eccentricity.

Abstract Recent advances in radiometric dating result in significant improvements in the geological timescale and provide better insight into the timing of various processes and evolutions within the Earth's system. However, no radiometric ages are contained within the Givetian. Consequently, the absolute ages of the Givetian Stage boundaries, as well as the stage's duration, remain poorly constrained. As an alternative, the analysis of sedimentary cycles allows for the estimation of the duration of this stage. We examined the high-resolution magnetic susceptibility signals of four Givetian outcrops in the Givet area for a possible astronomical imprint, to fully understand the rates of evolutionary and environmental change. All four sections are firmly correlated and wavelet analyses of the magnetic susceptibility signals reveal the imprint of astronomical eccentricity forcing. The highly stable 405 kyr cycles constrain the duration of the Givetian Stage at 4.35±0.45 Myr, which is in good agreement with the International Chronostratigraphic Chart (5.0 Myr). The studied sections also exhibit an imprint of obliquity, suggesting a climatic teleconnection between low and high latitudes. The corresponding microfacies curves demonstrate similar astronomical imprint, and thereby indicate that the observed 10 5 year-scale cyclicity is the result of climatic and environmental change.

Abstract A Julian/Tuvalian (=Lower/Upper Carnian) substage boundary within the Kasımlar Formation, recently detected at Aşağiyaylabel (Taurus Mountains, Turkey) by facies analyses and biostratigraphic ammonoid investigations, was additionally detected by magnetic susceptibility (MS) and radiometry data. The Aşağiyaylabel sequence, a key section concerning environmental changes during Early to Late Carnian time, represents a deepening sequence from platform carbonates to pelagic limestones and marls. The Julian/Tuvalian boundary strata can be correlated over wide areas due to a positive shift in MS values from 11–105×10 −6 SI (range AS I, KA IV) at the Lower Carnian sediments to 62–458×10 −6 SI (range AS I, KA IV) at the Upper Carnian sediments as well as in radiometry values from 21.35–83.27 nGy h −1 (range AS I, KA IV) at the Lower Carnian sediments to 38.43–130.24 nGy h −1 (range AS I, KA IV) at the Upper Carnian sediments. A second, smaller positive shift in MS occurs at the transition from shallow-water carbonates of the Kartoz Formation (−11 to 71×10 −6 SI; range AS I–KA II) into deeper-water carbonates from the base of the Kasımlar Formation (3–108×10 −6 SI; range AS I–KA II). This study presents the first MS and radiometry data from Lower to Upper Carnian sediments. They reliably reflect lithological changes and display a direct function of enhanced terrigenous input into marine sediment systems, most probably caused by variations in climatic conditions.

Abstract Magnetic susceptibility (MS) is a tool frequently used by geologists on sediments or rocks to perform correlations and sea-level or climatic reconstructions. Applied measurements are made on unoriented, bulk samples and bulk MS is mostly influenced by the magnetic mineral content of the rock and often interpreted as influenced by detrital inputs. Magnetic data acquisition is fast and straightforward and this allows the high-resolution sampling needed for palaeoclimatic research (e.g. spectral analysis). However, the link with detrital inputs is not always preserved and the impact of diagenesis on the final MS signal can blur primary information. This volume includes contributions dealing with the origin of the magnetic minerals, and the application of MS as a palaeoenvironmental or palaeoclimatic proxy and also as a tool to provide astronomical calibration in order to improve the chronology of selected time intervals.