Paleozoic paleomagnetism and northward drift of the Alexander terrane, southeastern Alaska

Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth
By: , and 

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Abstract

Paleozoic limestone, graywacke, sandstone, milestone, red beds and volcanic rocks of the Alexander terrane, southeastern Alaska, have yielded six paleomagnetic pole positions after thermal and alternating-field demagnetization. These poles are from sample groups of late Middle Ordovician, Late Ordovician, Devonian, Late Devonian, and early and late Carboniferous age. To test various tectonic models for the structural development of this part of western North America, the paleomagnetic results are compared to those for the North American craton. It is found that the observed inclination and declination values deviate significantly from the values predicted for the present-day position of the Alexander terrane (55.5N, 133.5W). Better matching can be obtained for a paleoposition of the terrane at about 40N, 120W, in the present position of western Nevada and northeastern California. In addition, an in situ 25° clockwise rotation of the terrane is required to restore it to its original position.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Paleozoic paleomagnetism and northward drift of the Alexander terrane, southeastern Alaska
Series title Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth
DOI 10.1029/JB085iB10p05281
Volume 85
Issue B10
Year Published 1980
Language English
Publisher American Geophysical Union
Description 16 p.
First page 5281
Last page 5296
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