Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Paleomagnetism Of Cascade Range Pleistocene Lava Flows Near Mckenzie Bridge, Oregon, Chelsea Jaeger

Summer Research

The purpose of this study is to examine geomagnetic field behavior recorded in a series of Pleistocene lava flows located near McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. Twenty-four sites, each consisting of at least ten samples were collected during July of 2011 and 2012. Alternating field (AF) and thermal demagnetization studies reveal normal, reversed, and possibly transitional polarities. Thermal demagnetization studies indicate the bulk of the magnetic signal is held in low titanium magnetite. Additional AF and thermal analysis is required to confirm transitional directions. In addition, polished sections will be prepared for optical examination to confirm the magnetic mineralogy of the samples.