Paleomagnetism of Mesozoic Magmatic Rocks in the West Transbaikalia

Abstract:

Gudzhir intrusive complex is widely spread within West Transbaikalia. The complex is presented by dykes of rocks of various composition and granite stocks within Proterozoic metamorphic rocks and Late Proterozoic granites of Angaro-Vitim batholite. Several grabens are located within the area. The grabens are filled by effusive analogues of Gudzhir complex covered by Late Jurassic–Aptian continental sedimentary rocks of Gusinoozersk series. The age of Gudzhir complex and its effusive analogues is uncertain. According to the location within sedimentary section it cannot be younger than Late Jurassic. At the same time according to the geochronological analysis (Ar-Ar method) the age of the complex is 120-100 mil.years – the end of Early Cretaceous.

In the river Vitim valley (between entries of rivers Karenga and Kalar) 32 dykes of Gudzhir complex have been studied. Laboratory palaeomagnetic studies of the samples was carried out. According to the Zyidelveld diagrams within the middle- high temperature spectrum two types of magnetization components are present: high temperature components (were not used) and “transitional” magnetization component of normal polarity. The latest was considered as secondary (metachronic). Similar direction was obtained previously for the Permian-Triassic volcanites within Southern Buriatia. Obtained pole location is the same as for Middle Cretaceous samples (within SW and NE margins of Siberian platform). According to these results the rocks of Gudzhir complex were remagnetized in Cretaceous time after crustal folding. Cretaceous age of the metachronic component was obtained from the total demonstration of magnetization of primary polarity which corresponds to the Dzhalal superchrone (124-84 mil. years).

According to the obtained results: 1. Post Cretaceous tectonic processes did not lead to significant movements of blocks; 2. The location of the obtained pole and its similarity to the even-aged poles of Siberia and East European platform for the time period 110-100 mil.years indicate the total consolidation of Eurasia to this period; 3. In the time of metachronic magnetization formation (Middle Cretaceous) the studied area was located between 55 and 60°NH.

The work was carried out with support of Ministry of Education and Science, project №14.z50.31.0017.