Current status and problems of magnetostratigraphic scale development for Kamchatka in the Brunhes epoch. Part 1. Theoretical aspect

Abstract

Magnetostratigraphy has become increasingly popular among geologists worldwide, as evidenced by recent scientific publications. This article reviews the role and place of magnetostratigraphy in general stratigraphic studies. The problem of developing a magnetostratigraphic scale of the Brunhes epoch based on paleosecular variation in the direction or intensity of the geomagnetic field was discussed. Nowadays, the above method has been actively pursued by researchers. Some hitherto little explored problems related to it were considered. Special attention was paid to the applicability range of the local magnetostratigraphic scale on the Earth’s surface. Three methods for estimating this parameter were proposed. Possible causes for the bias of paleomagnetic records in lava flows were analyzed: displacement of a recording medium during the recording process or later, magnetic anisotropy of two types, as well as the distortion of the geomagnetic field due to uneven surface magnetism, unevenly cooling lava magnetism, magnetism of surrounding rocks, or magnetohydrodynamic properties of flowing lava. The issues addressed here are important for improving the quality and reliability of paleomagnetic data.

Keywords

• kamchatka
• geomagnetic field
• paleomagnetism
• paleosecular variation
• magnetostra­tigraphy
• lava
• magnetization