Paleomagnetic poles and polarity zonation from Cambrian and Devonian strata of Arizona

D. P. Elston; S.L. Bressler

doi:10.1016/0012-821x(77)90067-x

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Paleomagnetic poles and polarity zonation from Cambrian and Devonian strata of Arizona

D. P. Elston·S.L. Bressler

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Abstract

Basal Paleozoic Tapeats Sandstone (Early and Middle Cambrian) in northern and central Arizona exhibits mixed polarity and a low-latitude paleomagnetic pole. Carbonates of Middle and early Late Cambrian age, and directly superposed carbonate and carbonate-cemented strata of latest Middle(?) and early Late Devonian age, are characterized by reversed polarity and high-latitude poles. The high-latitude Middle Cambrian pole, which appears to record a large but brief excursion of the polar wandering path, is considered provisional pending additional work. The Devonian data from Arizona indicate that a shift of the pole to a “late Paleozoic” position had occurred by Middle Devonian time.

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Earth and Planetary Science Letters Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 31.332177° to 37.00426° latitude; -114.813991° to -109.045223° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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D. P. Elston, S.L. Bressler. 1977. Paleomagnetic poles and polarity zonation from Cambrian and Devonian strata of Arizona. https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821x(77)90067-x

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