Magnetization of a dolomite bed in the Monterey Formation: Implications for diagenesis

The effect of diagenesis upon natural remanent magnetization (NRM) has been studied at two sites within a single bed of dolomite from the Monterey Formation in Santa Barbara County, California. Paleomagnetic direction demonstrates that the NRM is primary at one site and remagnetized at the other site. Magnetic separates from samples carrying a primary NRM yielded detrital magnetite. Separates from samples carrying secondary NRM yielded an unusual form of authigenic magnetite. Evidence suggests that the formation of the authigenic magnetite accompanied late stage dolomite diagenesis. Correlating the remagnetization direction to the paleomagnetic history of the region gives a probable age of 0.72–2.47 m.y.b.p. for both of these diagenetic events.