Middle Devonian Paleomagnetism of Geological Complexes of Central Tuva

Abstract

New paleomagnetic data are obtained for Middle Devonian rocks of Central Tuva. The rocks contain one-, two-, or three-component magnetization. The low-temperature (LT) components of magnetization are close to the directions of the present-day or Cenozoic magnetic field in Tuva. Based on the directions of the high-temperature (HT) components of magnetization, which were distinguished in the magnetite spectrum of blocking temperatures of up to 580оС, we revealed a prefolding magnetization of different polarity. The time when Middle Devonian rocks acquired the prefolding HT component of magnetization almost does not differ from the time of rock formation. Middle Devonian sequences were formed at low latitudes (19°–25° N). We calculated the Middle Devonian paleomagnetic pole (Φ =–13°, Λ = 106°, A₉₅ = 7), which can be used to describe the movement of the Caledonian block in Central Asia, and probably Siberia, if these blocks had been tectonically coupled by the Devonian.