Near-bottom magnetic measurements between the FAMOUS area and DSDP sites 332 and 333

Three recently measured near-bottom magnetometer profiles (57, 35, and 45 km long) extend across the axial valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) sites 332 and 333. Analyses of these data, using forward and inverse methods of interpretation, reveal the magnetic polarity of the rocks from the present to 3.32 m.y. B.P. Interval spreading rates range from 0.57 to 1.27 cm/yr; this variation occurs across and along the strike of the ridge flank. Our data do not reveal any previously undetected polarity events; however, our results do indicate the presence of three normal polarity events within the Matuyama reversed epoch. The DSDP sites 332 and 333 appear to lie at a polarity transition zone in the Gilbert reversed epoch at the end of the Cochiti normal event.