Magnetic stratigraphy of Lake Michigan sediments obtained from cores of lacustrine clay

Abstract

Postglacial and lacustrine sediments from Lake Michigan have been paleomagnetically investigated. The primary goal was to test the feasibility of correlation between several cores in terms of their magnetic signatures. After alternating field and thermal demagnetizations, inclination and relative declination values were obtained that show characteristic short-term fluctuations. Major features, including changes in the magnetic intensity of the samples, correlate well in three of the longer cores, in good agreement with independent lithostratigraphic determinations. In addition, we have been able to detect local disconformities that appear as interruptions of the magnetic record. A continuous record of normal polarity has been found, extending from the present day to 13,000 14C vears BP. No reversals were recorded, though at two stratigraphic levels shallow inclinations, together with declination swings and low intensities of magnetization, may indicate rapid geomagnetic excursions. The magnetic record was attained at the time of deposition or shortly thereafter, and can be used for a wide range of applications.