Open AccessThe palaeomagnetism of the Tertiary igneous complex of Ardnamurchan
Author(s) -
Dagley P.,
Mussett A. E.,
Skelhorn R. R.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
geophysical journal of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.302
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1365-246X
pISSN - 0016-8009
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-246x.1984.tb02876.x
Subject(s) - igneous rock , geology , paleomagnetism , sequence (biology) , extension (predicate logic) , geochemistry , paleontology , chemistry , biochemistry , computer science , programming language
Summary. Samples have been taken systematically through the intrusive sequence for the three centres which form the Tertiary central intrusive ring complex. Palaeomagnetic measurements show that all the units are reversely magnetized as are the earlier lavas – an extension of those of Mull and Morvern – which they intrude. This is in contrast to Mull, Skye and Arran, where the igneous sequences have been shown to span at least three polarity intervals, but is similar to Rhum where the only normal units are a few late dykes. Since Rhum and Ardnamuchan both lie on the dyke swarm which passes through Muck, the two complexes are considered to be closely related. If the Ardnamurchan central complex was formed in a single reversed interval the total duration of igneous activity was less than 3 Myr.