A Simple Model for the Interpretation of Magnetic Records in Lacustrine and Ocean Sediments

Abstract

Abstract Many sources of magnetic minerals have been implicated as potential influences on the magnetic record of lake and ocean sediments. The “state-of-the-art” of our knowledge of these sources and their properties has been used to define a model which indicates those sedimentary environments where specific magnetic mineral sources may influence the magnetic record. Authigenically formed magnetic minerals are only likely to be found in estuaries and eutrophic lakes. Cosmic deposition, eolian deposition, and magnetic bacteria may be important in low-accumulation-rate deep-ocean sediments. Whereas catchment-derived material is only likely to be the sole source of the magnetic record in high-accumulation-rate, low-productivity lakes, fly ash is only likely to be a dominant source in very-low-accumulation-rate lake and ocean sediments.