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A palaeomagnetic argument concerning post-Devonian displacement along the Great Glen Fault

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

P. Turner
Affiliation:
School of PhysicsThe University Newcastle upon Tyne
D. H. Tarling
Affiliation:
School of PhysicsThe University Newcastle upon Tyne
R Archer
Affiliation:
School of PhysicsThe University Newcastle upon Tyne
R. N. Donovan
Affiliation:
School of PhysicsThe University Newcastle upon Tyne

Summary

The validity of using Devonian palaeomagnetic data to determine a post-Devonian displacement along the Great Glen Fault is assessed and it is concluded that there is no statistically significant difference between previous magnetic vectors E and W of the fault and thus no palaeomagnetic evidence for a large sinistral displacement in post-Devonian times. New palaeomagnetic results are presented which suggest that the Devonian red sandstones in the Orcadian Basin have such a complex diagenetic and palaeomagnetic history that they will then be unsuitable for such tectonic evaluations in the foreseeable future, although palaeomagnetic dating can be used to resolve some diagenetic-sedimentary features.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1976

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