Geophys. J . Int.

(1990) 102, 73-88

Brunhes chron excursion/polarity episode recorded during the late Pleistocene, Albuquerque Volcanoes, New Mexico, USA
J. W. Geissman,' L. Brown,2 B. D. T ~ r r i nL. , ~D. McFadden' and S. S. Harlan'
'Department of Geology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA 'Department of Geology and Geography, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, M A 01003, USA 'US Geological Survey, Mail Stop 941, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, A 94305, USA

Accepted 1989 December 29. Received 1989 December 11; in original form 1989 April 11
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SUMMARY All basaltic lava flows of the Albuquerque Volcanoes (lat.: 35.2"N, long.: 253.2"E), Albuquerque-Belen Basin, New Mexico, record a short excursion/polarity episode. K-Ar isotopic age determinations (weighted average: 155 f 47 ka) and evaluation of soil profiles on flow surfaces suggest the late Pleistocene (circa between 250 and 80 ka) as the time of extrusion. Results from 63 sites in a minimum of eight flows yield a mean direction of D = 101.lo, Z = -36. lo, ag5 = 1.2" (a;, = 0.7, a& = 1.2), k = 2219 (N = 8 flows) and a corresponding virtual geomagnetic pole position (VGP) of 354.1"E, 20.2"S, dp = 0.8", dm = 1.4" (A&= 0.5, = 1.4), and VGP angular standard deviation (ASD) = 1.8". The unusual magnetization in flows of the Albuquerque Volcanoes is carried by fine-grained [single-domain (SD) and/or pseudo-single-domain (PSD)] low-Ti magnetite and is apparently not a function of complex sub-solidus alteration of magnetic phases. Underlying baked soils contain a relatively low coercivity magnetization with directions comprising two groups. One is roughly antipodal to the lava remanence; the other intermediate between the lava remanence and present field direction. Because all flows yield statistically indistinguishable directions, a field directional path clearly cannot be defined. At the precision level of our age determinations, the Albuquerque feature may correlate with other short polarity episodes or excursions of late Pleistocene age (e.g., Blake or Jamaica). Though characteristically limited in directional morphology, well-dated polarity episodes (i.e. sub-chrons) and excursions recorded in volcanic rocks may provide information on the frequency of significant dynamo instabilities.

Key words: dynamo, excursion, Pleistocene, polarity episode.

INTRODUCTION
Geomagnetic excursions represent major deviations in field behaviour over relatively short periods of geologic time (Denham & Cox 1971; Cox 1975; Verosub & Banerjee 1977; Merrill & McElhinny 1983). Virtual geomagnetic pole positions (VGPs) differ by more than 45" from the time-averaged position for that chron (Watkins 1976); these are often in part located in the opposite hemisphere. Excursions are not necessarily associated with field transitions; the full reversal of magnetic field direction has been discussed as a polarity event, sub-chron, or 'episode', and regarded as a potential stratigraphic tool (Denham 1976; Harland et 01. 1982; Tucholka et al. 1987). On the basis of palaeomagnetic records of variable quality, excursions and/or sub-chrons have been suggested for

several distinct times during the Brunhes Chron (Tarling 1983; Jacobs 1984; Champion, Lanphere & Kuntz 1988). Most features have been reported from continental and marine sedimentary sequences, leaving the fidelity, or even the validity of each record often in question (Verosub 1982; Verosub & Banerjee 1977; Tarling 1983). Unusual field features based on thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) data from lava flows, baked sediments, or artificially baked clays typically are characterized by only a few instantaneous parts of each feature. Nonetheless, additional documentation of well-dated complete or even partial excursions in sequences of lava flows would be of considerable use. Furthermore, identification of records of identical, anomalous field features at different locations may provide considerable insight into the nature of short-term field phenomena and the generation and frequency of dynamo

73

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J. W . Geksman et al.
younger time of eruption, are nonetheless associated with low precision and reflect difficulties associated with dating young, low-K,O (less than 0.5 wt per cent) tholeiitic lavas yielding low radiogenic 40Ar. Soil profile inspection, using to evaluate the age of the lava flow surfaces, constrains the age of the flows to be less than approximately 250ka. This geomagnetic field feature may be a transitional portion of a short polarity episode (sub-chron). GEOLOGY OF T H E A L B U Q U E R Q U E VOLCANOES Eruptions of alkali basaltic, olivine tholeiitic, and andesitic lavas occurred during the Pliocene and Pleistocene within the Albuquerque-Belen Basin, Rio Grande rift (Kelley & Kudo 1978). The Albuquerque Volcanoes, in the northern Albuquerque-Belen basin, consist of five N-S aligned cinder cones, several smaller vents, and numerous thin basalt flows (Fig. la). The flows were deposited on soils developed in the Tertiary Santa Fe Formation. Phenocrysts consist of 3-5 per cent euhedral, skeletal olivine and 3-10 per cent laths of plagioclase. The groundmass is of granular olivine, augite, low-Ca pyroxene, Fe-Ti oxides, apatite, and

instabilities (Liddicoat & Coe 1979; Hoffman 1981; Merrill & McElhinny 1983). Initial work on flows of the Pleistocene Albuquerque Volcanoes, west of Albuquerque (Fig. l ) , yielded curious results (Brown et al. 1985). The flows exhibited a magnetization of E-SE declination and moderate negative inclination. More extensive work, involving all flow units, good geographic coverage, and examination of portions of flows oxidized to varying degrees, indicates that all flows display the same unusual characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM). The low within-flow [VGP angular standard deviations (ASD) typically less than 7"] and between-flow (VGP ASD value of 1 . 8 O ) dispersions of this unusual ChRM imply that only a very small portion of a high-amplitude feature was recorded by the lavas of the Albuquerque Volcanoes. Rock magnetization data, TRM acquisition experiments, and the occasional presence of well-grouped superimposed magnetization components suggest the ChRM to be a high-fidelity TRM. The only pre-existing isotopic age determination on the Albuquerque Volcanoes was a whole rock K-Ar date of 190 f40 ka (Bachman & Mehnert 1978). Our additional isotopic age data, suggesting a slightly

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a
0 KM i

Flow Obzp, Flow Q b ,

(a)

Santo Fe
Fcrmotior

Figure 1. (a) Generalized geologic map of the Albuquerque Volcanoes (Kelley & Kudo 1978). (b) Outline map of the Albuquerque Volcanoes, showing locations of all palaeomagnetic sampling and soil profile investigation sites. Solid dots, UNM sites; circled crosses, UMass sites; stars, volcanic vents; open circles, soil profile investigation sites. (c) Location of the Albuquerque Volcanoes (AV) with respect to other Pliocene and Pleistocene volcanic features (stipple) in the Albuquerque-Belen Basin of the Rio Grande Rift.

Albuquerque volcanoes palaeomagnetism

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Figure 1 . (continued)

interstitial glass. Textures are intergranular to sub-ophitic. The lavas of the Albuquerque Volcanoes are compositionally olivine tholeiites (Baldridge 1979). The lava field consists of at least six major flows, traceable over several km'; all of these have been sampled in our study (Fig. lb). Flows Qb,, Qb,, and Qb, extend the length of the fissure system and were probably erupted from the entire length of the zone. Younger flows erupted from one or two localized centres. The absence of ancient soil horizons or eolian deposits between flows suggests a rapid rate of flow emplacement. We followed existing mapping (Kelley & Kudo 1978) in assigning sites to specific flow units in Table 1.

FIELD A N D LABORATORY METHODOLOGY

All sampling sites are shown in Fig. l(b). At each, a minimum of seven independently oriented samples were collected. Samples were typically separated over distances of 0.5-1.0m; an entire site usually encompassed more than 10 mz of outcrop surface. Orientations were always obtained using both magnetic and sun compasses, samples collected with nonmagnetic drill bits, and specimens (11 cc volume) prepared using nonmagnetic diamond saw blades. Several sites, even at the most topographically inconspicuous locations, exhibited mean NRM intensities which exceeded 10 A m-', with high standard deviations, suggesting that a

lightning-induced isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) has partially to completely overprinted a pre-existing remanence. The demagnetization response of lightningstruck samples is discussed below. Sites AV81 and AV82 (Fig. lb) consisted of poorly consolidated baked soil immediately underlying flow Qbl. We employed a nonmagnetic, stainless steel plunger device to retrieve coherent samples up to 3 cm in length and 1.8 cm in diameter. Magnetization data were acquired at both the University of New Mexico (UNM) and the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) laboratories. At the UNM laboratory, most measurements were carried out using a Schonstedt SSM-1A spinner magnetometer or, in the case of baked sediments, a 2G Enterprises three-axis 760R superconducting magnetometer. Alternating field (AF) and thermal demagnetization were carried out with commercial instrumentation. Acquisition of IRM and backfield demagnetization of saturation IRM (SIRM) were carried out on a custom-built DC impulse magnet, capable of peak inductions of 1.3T. Anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) acquisition was accomplished using a D C induction of approximately 80 pT. Evaluation of saturation magnetization versus temperature (J, versus 7') was carried out in three laboratories (UNM, horizontal Curie balance; US Geological Survey, Denver, vertical Curie balance; University of Minnesota, vibrating sample magnetometer). At the UMASS laboratory, procedures followed were

76

J . W.Geissman et al.
Table 1. Palaeomagnetic data from the Albuquerque Volcanoes.
Flow
ChRM' Decl. Incl.' N/No3 ag54 k6 MAD7 V G P ' Lat. Long, A95lo

VGP ASD"

INDIVIDUAL FLOWS: Qbl Qb2A Qb3 Qb4A Qb4B Qb4C Qb5 Qb6 99.6,-37.7 103.4,-35.6 101.0,-35.5 101.4,-37.2 101.1,-34.8 102.7,-36.3 102.0,-35.4 97.7-36.4 10/10 12/12 10/10 616 718 314
718

3.5 194.1 (2.8,3.3)(30.7) 3.8 129.8 (2.6,4.0)(120.4) 5.4 80.7 (3.1,5.8)(46.6) 5.6 132.4 (2.4,5.7)(161.0) 6.3 92.3 (2.0,6.8) (129.0) 2.7 201.5 (1.9,6.0) (173.9)

5.6

-19.5.355.8

3.2 (2.2,3.1) (30.7) 3.8 (1.9,4.4)(19.5) 5.3 (2.4.6.1)(53.1)

3'4
7.0 8.9

6.8 -21.9.352.6
8.5 6.4 7.8 -19.9,353.8 -20.8.354.6 -19.7.353.3

4.6 5.6 (2.6,4.4) (158.9)

8.0 6.0 (1.5,6.7) (8.2)
5.8

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1.4 -21.5,353.4 -20.7,353.2 -17.6.356.0 -20.2,354.1 -20.5,354.0

3.8

(2.1.3.8)(135.5) 5.2 6.9 (1.6,5.7)(18.5) 4.3 3.7 (1.9.3.7) (110.0) 1.24 1.8 (0.5.1.4) (40.5) 2.07 9.3 (1.3.2.5) (40.1)

5.1 141.1 6.3 (2.2.5.3)(114.9) 5.9 246.3 (1.6.5.2) (5.2) 1.2 2219.9 (0.7,1.2)(68.5) 2.0 80.1 (1.8,2.1) (66.9) 4.5 1.6

4/5
8

ALL FLOWS: 101.1,-36.1 ALL SITES: 101.2,-36.4

63/63

'Remanence characteristic of the particular site investigated. north and positive downwards. total number of sites measured. the mean direction.

21n degrees east of

Ratio of the total number of sites accepted to the Semi-angle of the cone of 95 percent confidence about

5Bingham (Onstott, 1980) statistics (alg5, a295) (oval orientation) 'Precision 'Virtual parameter geomagnetic

for the population of site directions and derived VGP values. (Fisher, 1953). pole.

7Mean angular deviation of the mean, in degrees.

'Degrees north and positive longitude east of Oo. "Angular

"Semi-angle

of the cone of 95%

confidence about the mean VGP, using site VGP's. determination. in degrees.

standard deviation of the VGP

similar to the methods employed at UNM. Magnetizations were measured on either a Schonstedt SSM-1A magnetometer or a Molspin magnetometer. A F demagnetization experiments employed commercial equipment. Reflected light microscopy work employed a Leitz Wetzlar Ortholux microscope with oil immersion lenses. Response to progressive demagnetization and interpretation of demagnetization results (Fig. 2) was in most cases straightforward. A linear decay of 50 to over 90 per cent of the NMR typified behaviour [e.g. specimens from sample AV25A, Fig. 2(e)]. In other cases, a secondary magnetization component of lower coercivity was superimposed on the higher coercivity CrRM. Usually AF demagnetization isolated this higher coercivity component, resulting in a stable endpoint (SEP) [e.g. specimens from sample A W C , Fig. 2(b)]. Principal component analysis was employed to calculate directions of magnetizations. For sites affected by lightning, A F demagnetization showed decay of the NRM along a segment, of varied length, of a great circle. Consequently, remagnetization circle (Halls 1978) or a

combination of remagnetization circle and SEP (Bailey & Halls 1984) analysis was carried out; a magnetization with reasonable statistical significance (Appendix A; available on request from the two senior authors) could still be identified at these sites. Duplicate argon extractions and isotopic analyses were performed at the Berkeley Geochronology Center, at the Institute of Human Origins. Analyses are by standard isotope dilution methods using a 10-cm Reynolds-type gas-source mass spectrometer. Potassium analyses are by flame photometry using a lithium internal standard (Ingamells 1970). Samples were examined for xenolith contamination from the underlying Santa Fe Formation. Uncontaminated samples were then crushed and sieved, then treated with dilute HCI, and HF, and finally, washed with distilled water in an ultrasonic bath to remove carbonate and surface alteration. Atmospheric 40Ar corrections were made using the 'Zero-age' curve method (A. Deino, personal communication 1989). The stated f is the one sigma resolution of the particular analysis. The

r
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I

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4.15 A / m

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W-

lA/m

(b)

1.5 A/m

)wn

s I Down
F UP

HiOC

222

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4 0

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.-

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8

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588

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0

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d 533
I

AVl3A
E

r
566"C,588,603

I 3.1 A/m

.6 A/m

I
I

588, 603

(C)

S, own

S, Down

Figure 2. Representative examples of alternating field and thermal demagnetization results from the Albuquerque Volcanoes. Orthogonal progressive demagnetization diagrams showing the endpoint of the magnetization vector plotted onto the horizontal (closed symbols) and vertical (open symbols) planes. Peak demagnetizing forces (in mT) or temperatures (in "C) are given along vertical projections. Demagnetizations of (a) specimens from sample AV6E (Qb,,), (b) specimens from sample AV'IC, showing the incomplete alternating field removal of the ChRM, (c) specimens from sample AV13A (Ab,) showing the incomplete unblocking of a low Tub RM in thermal demagnetization versus the complete removal of a similarly directed component in A F demagnetization, (d) specimens from sample AV13H (Qb,) showing that thermal demagnetization effectively removes the high Tub,high coercivity RM after removal of the superimposed component by A F demagnetization, (e) highly vesicular and oxidized flow top, site AV25 (Qb,), (f) baked soil, site AV81 (enlargement at high peak inductions).

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J . W. Geissman et al.

'J*

I
up
y0
0

20 m T A

S
40
NRM

AV81H
I OA/m

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II
(e) w
/
S I, Down Figure 2. (continued)

. A'
0 0

* .

Q'
I f>

(0

r YA
95

AV25C
1 OA/m

30 rnT

E i , Down

resolution of any one analysis is a function of the weight per cent K+ of the sample, weight of material used, accuracy and precision in measuring isotopic ratios, and accuracy and precision in making the atmospheric argon correction. Zero-age residuals for the Berkeley argon extraction systems indicate that the age resolution for 6 to 7 g of material with a K+ content of about 0.4wt per cent is 0.051 f 0.037 Ma. The actual quoted error (*) is a best estimate of the analytical accuracy of each individual analyses based on a propagation of errors in the measurements.

per cent of the site mean value (Appendix A). NMR directions are well-grouped (e.g., example given for site AV25, Appendix A) and the ChRM isolated is always well-grouped and of E-SE declination and of moderate negative inclination. We rarely observed a present-day (PDF) VRM component superimposed on the ChRM.

ChRM with secondary components

Superimposed on the ChRM at several sites (11) is a low coercivity magnetization which is either well-grouped and intermediate in direction between the ChRM and PDF or very scattered orientation. Both the low coercivity magnetization and the ChRM are readily isolated in A F demagnetization, but not in thermal demagnetization (compare specimens, AV13, Fig. 2c,d), implying an overlap of the Tub spectra of the ChRM and the secondary component. At sites 40 and 41 the secondary components are well-defined (statistics in Appendix A). This northeast and shallow secondary magnetization may be the vector sum of a PDF component with a coercivity spectrum lying completely within that of the ChRM but displaced to lower values than the majority of the ChRM. Because mean NMR intensities for these sites are less than 10 A m-l and NMR directions are reasonably well-grouped, we doubt that the secondary magnetizations are lightning-related IRM's. The ChRM at these sites has been well isolated, resulting in site mean directions with k values typically exceeding 50. Lightning-affected Samples from 40 sites exhibited high NRM intensities and/or standard deviations exceeding the mean NRM

PALAEOMAGNETIC D A T A The palaeomagnetic data for the eight distinct lave flows studied are provided in Table 1 and site and unit mean directions are shown in Fig. 3(a and b). Data for individual sites (65) are given in an Appendix. Based upon NRM intensities and directions and demagnetization characteristics, the samples may be divided into four types. ChRM-dominated A total of 12 sites, including both fresh interiors of flows and highly oxidized flow tops, usually revealed a single magnetization component of high (>50 mT) median destructive induction (MDI) and distributed but high laboratory unblocking temperatures ( qub's) (AV6, AV25, Fig. 2a, e). Rare secondary components were of low relative intensity and readily isolated in A F and thermal demagnetization. NMR intensities are low and range from 0.5 to 2.0 Am-', and standard deviations are less than 50

Albuquerque volcanoes palaeomagnetism

N

79

A
AV82

A
E l

3 0 '
0

t o

t
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fa)

+
n
AV 8 (rev)

Figure 3. Palaeomagnetic data from the Albuquerque Volcanoes lava flows. Directions of RMs, isolated over a range of high peak alternating inductions and/or Tub's, characteristic of these units. (a) Individual site means (65, including two sites in baked soils, triangles) without projected cones of 95 per cent confidence. Open circles, UNM sites; open squares UNM site means requiring remagnetization circle analysis for determination; circles with dots, UMass sites; squares with dots, UMass site means requiring remagnetization circle analysis for determination. (b) Individual flow means (8) and baked soil means (diamonds, two sites), with projected cones of 95 per cent confidence. Triangles are the axial geocentric dipole directions; square is the present-day field. Equal area projections, with open (closed) symbols referring to upper (lower) hemisphere projections.

intensity (Appendix A). NRM directions are typically random at a 95 per cent confidence level. The coercivity spectra of the lightning-induced IRM and the ChRM do not entirely overlap and remagnetization circle analysis of A F data, as discussed above, allowed definition of the ChRM at these sites. The direction of convergence is defined by the pole to a plane, that is itself defined by poles to individual ) . Even at sites specimen remagnetization circles (Fig. 4 where the direction of convergence was poorly determined, its direction was similar if not identical to the ChRM. In Fig. 3(b), all of the most dispersed site mean directions were derived using planes analysis. Thermal treatment indicated that the Tub spectra of IRM and ChRM components strongly overlapped and this method was thus insufficient in isolating a ChRM.

decay is observed in A F or thermal demagnetization (specimen ABglHa, Fig. 2f). Specimens with significantly weaker NRM intensities, farther below the flow contact, usually exhibit more erratic behaviour in demagnetization. At site AV81 (Appendix A, Fig. 3b), the direction of magnetization isolated in specimens with high NRM intensities is of W-NW decination and moderate positive inclination, essentially antipodal to that in the overlying Qb, lava flow. At site AV82, only 6 m south of site AV81, all samples, collected within 6cm of the flow contact, yield a well-defined magnetization, but in this case of E-NE declination and moderate positive inclination (Appendix A, Fig. 3b).

ROCK MAGNETISM A N D THE ORIGIN OF ChRM

Response by the ChRM to A F and thermal demagnetization-MDI's generally ranging from 40 to 50mT, and distributed but generally high Tub's (to approximately 580 "C)-suggests that the ChRM is camed by fine [i.e. single-domain (SD) to pseudo-single-domain (PSD)] low-Ti titanomagnetite grains. Rock magnetic

Baked soils
Rare exposures of flows overlying baked and intensely reddened soil zones, ranging in thickness from 10 to 50 cm, afforded a baked contact test. The palaeomagnetic behaviour of baked materials is complex. Most samples have NRM intensities exceeding 0.1 A m-l and a univectorial

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J. W. Geksman e t al.

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Figure 4. Equal area projection of directions obtained in progressive AF demagnetization of individual specimens from sites AV47 and AV48,
affected by lightning. Data points from each specimen are joined by lines; poles to best-fitting great circles defined by demagnetization trajectories are given by squares (lower hemisphere projections). Closed (open) symbols refer to lower (upper) hemisphere projections. (a) Site 47. (b) Site 48.

experiments, briefly discussed below, and petrographic examinations all corroborate inferences based on demagnetization. Approximately reversible J, versus T curves and Curie temperatures exceeding 530 "C (Fig. 5) typify the lavas, indicating that the principal magnetic phase must be a low-Ti titanomagnetite. Irreversible behaviour (rare) suggests the likely presence of a titanomaghaemite phase (e.g., sample AV2, Fig. 5b). IRM usually saturates in D C fields less than 0.2T and saturation IRM typically has MDI's less than 50mT in AF demagnetization and coercivities of remanence of approximately 70mT or less (Fig. 6, specimen AV2C). Comparison of A F demagnetization characteristics of NRM (TRM for a single, low-intensity component) and saturation IRM, yields mixed observations. SIRM is usually more stable to A F demagnetization than NRM (e.g. Fig. 6, specimen AV2C) suggesting the relative lack of truly single and small pseudo-single-domain particles. In some cases (e.g. specimen AV4, Fig. 6), NMR exhibits coercivity spectra displaced to higher inductions than that of SIRM. A F demagnetization response of ARM (Johnson, Lowrie & Kent 1975) is generally different from that of NRM. With few exceptions, ARM exhibits a higher coercivity spectrum than SIRM. The behaviour of ARM, rather than NRM, appears more indicative of the relative abundance of fine titanomagnetite particles carrying the ChRM in the lavas of the Albuquerque Volcanoes. We suggest that high-temperature oxidation-exsolution of titanomagnetite, required to yield a relatively low-Ti cubic phase as the essential magnetic carrier occurred prior to ChRM acquisition. The unusual ChRM is not a reflection of complex, sub-solidus magnetochemical modification (e.g.,

Hoffman, 1984), for several reasons. First, visibly strongly oxidized units contain a well-grouped ChRM. Site AV25, in a brick red, highly vesicular flow top near Vulcan, the main volcano of the field (Fig. la), yields IRM acquisition and backfield demagnetization data (specimen AV25B, Fig. 6) which suggest saturation inductions and coercivities of remanence higher than fresh lava flows, supporting the presence of abundant haematite. Demagnetization (specimens AV25Aa,b; Fig. 2e) is typified by high MDI's yet Tub's almost entirely below 580 "C, suggesting that low-Ti titanomagnetite remains the essential carrier of the ChRM. Second, progressive TRM acquisition experiments suggest the lavas of the Albuquerque Volcanoes to be reliable field recorders. With increasing temperature, the NRM of each specimen becomes aligned with the laboratory field direction (*Z) (Fig. 7). At temperatures exceeding approximately 550 "C, a complete TRM is imparted and the RM is parallel to Z. No systematic, significant change in bulk susceptibility occurred during the experiments. We do not neglect the possibility, however, of an initial irreversible sub-solidus alteration of the magnetic phases. Third, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data (Table 2) from three flows (sites AV40, AV41, AV42) exposed in a quarry in the SW comer of the volcanic field (Fig. lb) do not support the possibility that the ChRM is controlled by a flow-related anisotropy. Lineation and foliation fabrics are poorly defined and directions of maximum and minimum principal susceptibility axes, k , and k,, respectively, are scattered on both specimen and site levels. At the site level, Rg5 values, defined for the axial data of each principal susceptibility direction, are approximately 25". Fourth, the data from baked soils beneath lava flow Qb,

Albuquerque volcanoes palaeomagnetism

81

100

200

300

400

500

600

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:I

rO0

200 300 400 500 TEMPERATURE, "C

600 I

Figure 5. Thermomagnetic (J, versus T) curves for Albuquerque Volcanoes lava flows. (a, b) UNM determinations using a horizontal Curie balance (induction of 0.3 T, in air on magnetic separates). (c) University of Minnesota determination, vibrating sample magnetometer (induction of 0.2 T, in air). Specimen designations are keyed to site numbers (Appendix A).

0.001

0.01
INDUCTION ( T I

0-1

1.0

at sites AV81 and AV82 are puzzling, yet not totally inconsistent with the ChRM in the lavas being a reliable record of an unusual field. The magnetic mineralogy of the baked soils was produced or greatly modified during contact thermal metamorphism with the lava flow and may be capable of partial to complete self-reversal. An alternative explanation is based on a significant difference in Tub spectra for the TRM in the baked sediments and lava flow. The magnetization in the baked soils is unblocked below 450 "C. Within 10 cm or so of the flow, the remanence in the baked soils may have been negatively or partially coupled with the TRM of the overlying Qb, flow. Very locally, the magnetic induction due to the basalt flow was at least similar in magnitude to that of the Earth's field and the baked soils acquired a TRM antipodal or intermediate in direction with respect to the ChRM. At any rate, the baked soil zones clearly exhibit magnetizations of unusual direction.

Isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) acquisition (circles joined by lines), backfield DC demagnetization (circles), AF demagnetization of SIRM (circles with vertical tics), A F demagnetization of NRM (circles with horizontal tics), and A F demagnetization of ARM (circles with Xs) curves for specimens representative Albuquerque Volcanoes lithologies. Semi-log plot of normalized intensity versus induction, in T. Specimen designations are keyed to site numbers.

Figure 6. (a-c)

ISOTOPIC A N D RELATED A G E DETERMINATION

K-Ar studies
The K-Ar analytical data are presented in Table 3. Sample AV-4, the oldest flow stratigraphically, yields K-Ar ages of 0.11 f0.38 and 0.03 f 0.60 Ma. Sample AV-3, overlying sample AV-4, yields ages of 0.04 f 0.16 and 0.10 f 0.28 Ma. The youngest flow, sample AV-1, yields K-Ar ages of -0.46 f 0.07 Ma and 0.17 f 0.05 Ma. The age of -0.46 f 0.070Ma obtained for sample AV-1 (KA5488) is best interpreted as an age of 0.070 Ma or less.

82

J . W. Geissman et al.
X
as bad as the suspect measurement is less than 0.5, then the suspect measurement should be rejected. Therefore sample KA5488 is rejected from the data set. The simple arithmetic mean of the five accepted analyses is 0.089f0.058 Ma with standard error of the mean of 0.026Ma. The weighted average of the five accepted analyses, which we assume to be the most appropriate for the lavas of the Albuquerque Volcanoes, is 0.155f 0.047 Ma. The weighted average is calculated by multiplying individual analyses by one over the variance using the following equation:
xhest=

c (1/$)x/c

(1/2).

The uncertainty of the weighted average is calculated by propagating the errors in the above equation, which results in the following equation:
=

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[c (llu 11
2

-1/2

SOIL PROFILE INVESTIGATIONS

Examination of soil profiles on several flow surfaces
Figure 7. Equal area projection in specimen coordinates of results of incremental TRM acquisition experiments. The results show the progressive acquisition of a RM parallel to z, as applied during the experiments, by all six specimens (three with TRM parallel to + Z ;

three with TRM parallel to - Z ) . The lack of eolian deposition, lack of soil development between the lava flows, and the similarity in palaeomagnetic directions of the three flows indicates eruption over a short period of time. Therefore, all isotopic data are used in evaluating the age of the palaeomagnetic excursion event. The arithmetic mean for all six analyses is 0.00 f 0.23 Ma. Sample KA5488 differs from the mean by two standard deviations. If assumed that the six measurements are normally distributed, the probability of obtaining a measurement that differs by two standard deviations is 0.3. Chauvenet's criterion, as normally given (Taylor 1982), states that if the expected number of measurements at least

(Fig. lb) shows that have formed primarily in blanketing deposits. The are developed, possessing a slightly reddened B horizon enriched in clay and a horizon of carbonate accumulation. Pedogenic carbonate has also accumulated in fractures within underlying flows. Clear evidence for buried soils was not encountered at any of the localities, indicating that eolian material blanketed the flow surface before strong soils had formed in the basalts. The degree of soil development in eolian deposits on flow surfaces correlates with the age of underlying lavas (Dohrenwend et al., 1984; McFadden, Wells & Dohrenwend 1986). Flow surfaces cause air flow separation and favour deposition of eolian material during periods of increased eolian activity and soil development during periods of little or no eolian activity. No datable materials have been observed in the eolian deposits of the Albuquerque volcanic field. However, the

Table 2. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility data, Albuquerque Volcanoes lava flows.

Site B k1x10-* kmax/ kmin2 Kmax/ kint3 E4 n/N5 Decl. Incl. Rg56 Decl. Incl. R95

Av 40 AV 40 AV 4 2

1.79

1.012 (0.01)
1.011 (0.013)

1.007 (0.0121)

0.998 (0,014)

13/7

338,
34.

-10 -62
-85

25

58,
48,

-32

25

2.24

1.005 1.001 (0.0082) (0.021) 1.003 1.002

15/8

25 26

15
-7

18
27

1.1

1.009

14/7

359,

68,

'SI volume units.

Ratio of the maximum to minimum principal susceptibility, standard 'Ratio of the maximum to intermediate principal susceptibility,
4

deviation in parentheses.

standard deviation in parentheses.

(kint x kint)/(kmax x kmin);

if E > 1, the susceptibility

ellipsoid in p r o l a t e , if E < 1, the ellipsoid is oblate.

Number of specimens measured for 'Measure of 95

statistical purposes to the number of independent samples used from that site.

percent confidence level of the determination of individual vectors from the mean.

Albuquerque volcanoes palaeomagnetism

Table 3. K-AR isotopic age data, lava flows of the Albuquerque Volcanoes.
Sample Number AV-1 AV-1 AV-3 AV-3 AV-4 AV-4 Lab Number KA5488 KA5488R KA5481 KA5481R KA5696 KA5696R Material WR/BAS WR/BAS WR/BAS WR/BAS WR/BAS WR/BAS Sample Weight(kg) 0.00702410 0.00531098

83

XK+
x 0.440

40Ar* Mol/kg -3490. 1330. 284.0 704.0 841.0 194.0

%Ar*

Age (Ma) f 1a -0.4620.07 0.17f0.05 0.04f0.16 0.10f0.28

0 . IlfO. 38 0.03f0.60

0.440

-3.4 1.4 0.2 0.2 0.1

<0.1

0.00691653 0.412 0.00535603 0.412 0.00532721 0.447 0.00646152 0.447

Decay constants:
=

XE

+ XE'

= 0.581 x 10-lOyrl;AB= 4.962 x 10-loyrl;and

1.167

The uncertainty of the weighted average is calculated by

propagation of errors (Taylor, 1982).

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Simple mean of all analyses, less KA5488: Weighted average of all analyses, less KA5488: Best age for magnetic excursion:

0.089

0.058 Ma

Standard Error of the Mean: 0.026 Ma

0.155 f 0.047 Ma 0.155

f

0.047 Ma

age of these deposits can be estimated by comparing their degree of soil development with that o f soils forming in eolian deposits in the SW San Juan Basin, 150 km northwest of the study area (Wells et al. 1983; McFadden, Wells & Schultz 1983), for which absolute ages are available. In the latter region, three major periods of eolian activity occurred during the last 16 kyr (Wells et al. 1983; Price et al. 1988). The degree of soil development in the study area exceeds that of latest Pleistocene to early Holocene (?) eolian deposits of the San Juan basin, possessing more strongly clay enriched B horizons and more strongly developed horizons of carbonate accumulation than those observed in

the San Juan Basin (Table 4 ) . Studies of the morphology and content of pedogenic carbonate elsewhere in the SW United States (Bachman & Machette 1977; Gile & Grossman 1979; Machette 1985; Dethier, Harrington & Aldrich 1988) generally indicate that such morphology and carbonate accumulation requires a minimum of 79 kyr, provided the soil parent materials are largely noncalcareous. A maximum estimated age for the soils based on the degree of pedogenic carbonate accumulation is difficult to assess, due to the accumulation of pedogenic carbonate in the fractures of the underlying basalt and possibly in soils buried by the basalt flows. This carbonate has accumulated

Table 4. Morphological textural, and chemical data for a typical soil developed in eolian deposits in the study area.
Horizon Depth (m)
0-0.07

Color (dry matrix) lOYR 614 IOYR 515

7.5YR 516

Structure

Texture ( < 2 mm) sand silt 36.2 83.1 61.6 57.4 29.4 25.9 23.7 60.4 16.1 9.7 11.8 16.2 23.3 47.8 52.7 62.4 29.1 19.9

clay 4.1 5.1 22.2 19.3 22.8 21.4 13.9 10.6

4.1

CaC032 (kg/m )
0

pH

AC A Btkl Btk2 Btk3 Bkl Bk2 2Bkl 2BK2

fine subangular blocky very coarse subangular blocky very coarse prismatic very coarse subangular coarse subangular blocky coarse subangular blocky medium subangular blocky coarse subangular blocky coarse subangular blocky

7.0

0.07-0.19 0.19-0.46 0.46-0.6 1 0.61-0.86

0.86-1 .OO

1 .O

7.6 7.6
8.0

2.0

1.5YR 514 1.5YR 714

7.5YR 614

2.0 37.0 27.0 75.0 25.0 6.0

8.3

8.3 8.3 8.2 8.2

1.00-1.31 1.31-1.51 1.51-1.58

7.5YR 614 7.5YR 616

7.5YR 8/2

The total CaCO 1985).

accumulation for the profile in 175.0 kg, calculated on the basis of m

soil column (Machette,

The estimated mean CaCO3 accumulation rate in northern New Mexico is 0.022 kgm-'

ka-I (Machette, 1985; Price et

al., 1988) which indicates a minimum age of 79,500 years f o r the profile (see text).

84

J . W . Geissman et al.
the weighted average. We feel, however, that the weighted average (155 f47 ka) is the most statistically defencible value for the age of Albuquerque volcanism. This value is younger than but statistically indistinguishable from Champion et al.'s (1988) estimate of the Albuquerque geomagnetic feature, 182 f31 ka, based on a combination of our KA5488R value and the 0.19f0.04Ma value reported by Bachman & Mehnert (1978). Faced with the precision limits of the K-Ar isotopic age determination, the Albuquerque result may possibly correlate with the Blake or Jamaica Sub-chrons (Champion et al. 1988). VGP angular standard deviation data (Table 1) imply minimal variation of the geomagnetic field during and thus geologic time spanned by emplacement of the Albuquerque Volcanoes lava flows. For the eight flow mean VGP's, the angular standard deviation is only 1.8". Corrected for within-lava dispersion using a value of 4.6", the result is 1.05". The distribution of the eight flow mean directions (Fig. 3b) also shows no systematic field migration during ChRM acquisition. Application of Bingham statistics (Onstott 1980) for the flow VGP's yields ai5 and ax, values o f 0.5 and 1.4". While a somewhat elongate, or non-Fisherian distribution of the site means is implied, only slight field variation during remanence acquisition is likely. In the SW portion of the field, a quarry dug within the past decade (Fig. lb), provides the only locality where at least three flows (Qb,,, Qb3, and Qb4,) in stratigraphic continuity are exposed. The south (sites AV40, 41, 42) and NW (sites AV45,43, 44;AV40 and AV45 in the same flow) walls of the quarry were sampled to evaluate the magnitude of local field effects and possible slumping on sample orientation as well as actual field variation. The six flow mean directions are shown in Fig. 8. The NW wall section exhibits a slight steepening of inclination with time. The means from sites AV40 and AV45, in the same flow, are

subsequent to emplacement of the flow and cannot be directly measured with methods used to quantify carbonate accumulation in the eolian deposits. However, because the morphology and carbonate content of carbonate horizons of soils as old as 500 ka are much greater than those observed in the eolian deposits and underlying materials, a probable maximum age of circa 250 ka is estimated for the flows of the Albuquerque Volcanoes. This estimate is in agreement with K-Ar isotopic age determinations.

DISCUSSION
All lava flows of the Albuquerque Volcanoes record a portion of a high-amplitude geomagnetic field feature during the Brunhes Chron. While a full inversion of the field is not documented, the Albuquerque feature could be a transitional part of a short polarity episode (sub-chron) or an excursion. The K-Ar isotopic age data and soil profile observations indicate that the Albuquerque Volcanoes erupted between approximately 250 and 75ka. The weighted K-Ar average (155 f 47 ka) is our tentative, preferred age of the flows of the Albuquerque Volcanoes because the more precise analyses are given a greater weight in the determination of the age of the three lava flows examined. However, it should be noted that sample KA5488R, which yields a calculated age of 0.17 f0.07 Ma, has the highest per cent radiogenic argon yield and the lowest calculated error. In calculating the weighted averages, sample KA488R has been given the greatest weighting factor because of the small error relative to other samples. If, for example, the higher radiogenic argon yield, and thus greater precision in the measurements, is due to contamination from partially degassed Santa Fe Formation xenoliths which, albeit rare, do occur in the lavas, the age for sample KA5488R may be slightly too old, thus biasing

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50

40

3 0 '

F i i 8. Equal area projection of site mean data from three lava flows collected along the south (site AV40, AV41, and AV42; circles) and NW (sites AV45, AV43, and AV44; triangles) walls of a quarry in the SW portion of the field (Fig. lb). Arrows define stratigraphic order of lava flows.

Albuquerque volcanoes palaeomagnetism

indistinguishable at greater than 99 per cent confidence (McFadden & Lowes 1981), but are themselves distinguishable at greater than 95 per cent confidence from the means from sites AV43 and AV44, in the two overlying flows of the NW wall. Inspection of the SW wall suggests that slight northward slumping of material collected at sites AV41 and

85

AV42 is the likely cause for the discrepancy between the data from these sites and sites in identical units along the N W wall. A slight steeping of the field between emplacement of Qb,, and QbdAmay have occurred, but the means for these flows, based on all sites in our collection, do not support this.

Table 5. Late Pleistocene excursions and polarity episodes, western North America.
Excursion/ Polarity pisode F Reference Location Age, ka2 Unit3 Rotated Fieid VGP4 Albuq.' Vector Long. Lac. Decl.Incl.Decl.Inc1.

Comnents

Albuquerque

north-central New Mexico (35.58, 107W) California, Nevada, Washington

155+/-47; Eight flows <250.>75

354

-20

101,-36

75,-37 This study

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Mono Lake (Denham and cox, 1971; Denham, 1974; Liddicoat and C o e , 1979)

25.224.0

Lake sedimentary deposits, excursion path**

270 252 245 273 2 18 223 218 223 237 277 275

7 15 1 30 52 49 49 51 54 61 60

147,72 183.79 194,70 101.81 314,24 311,76 309,75 315,75 334,78 23.74 22.75

168,39 181,43 186.35 166.52 206,64 202.61 206,62 204,64 190.65 161.70 165.69

Oriented dry lake sediments; swing to west-northwest declination and shallowing of inclination, then to north-northeast declination and eventual steepening of inclination.

Blake [S,lO, (Denham. 1976; Tucholka et al.. 1987; Smith and Foster, 1969; Herrero-Bervera et al., 1989; Wollin et al., 1971; Yaskawa et al., 1973; Creet 9 8 0 ; et al.. 1 Aksu, 1983)

Caribbean, Lake Biwa, Oregon, Italy, Czechoslowakia, Poland, Mediterranean, Naoab

104120

Lake sedimentary deposits, excursion path Pringle Falls data: (63B) (65N (67B) ( 6 9 . 4 ) (71A) ( 73 . 4 ) (76A) (78A) (80A) (82A)

(MA)
(86A) (87B) (89B)

(lOlB)
(103A) (105A) (106A) (108A) (llOA) (112A) ( 115C) (1 17A) (1198) (121A) (1 23A) (125A) (127B)

276 120 134 155 128 125 99 101 102 105 103 112 120 97 301 285 275 270 263 253 216 206 119 196 197 198 199 190

27 71 72 73 1 0 -4 -5 4 12 38 45 47 54 63 63 56 47 46 42 47 12 1 -9 -11 -16 -14 -13 -12

106,79 125.79 150,80 183,79 137,35 133,23 108,20 109.29 109,34 112.54 109,58 119,61 129,66 97.72 311.50 296.41 286,29 281.30 274,26 267,34 226,9 215,4 208,-2 204,-2 205,-8 205,-6 207,-6 199.-2

165,49 168,45 174,44 176.38 145.7 142,3 134,-2 118.7 126,17 139.31 142,37 148.35 157,37 155,46 257,60 262.47 265.33 260,30 258,19 247,26 228,-16 216,21 210,-27 220,-42 215,-45 219,-44 2 15.-43 202,-34

Elsewhere, often recorded in Unoriented marine cores; field inversion typically documented. Two excursions during the episode have been suggested (Denham, 1976).

'Several references exist for some excursion records; we list those most appropriate. summarized in (Merrill and McElhinny. 1983). readings.

'From

the reference given or

3For the Laschamp and Lake Mungo excursions, we list all individual field

4Calculated without inverting field directions; longitude in degrees east of north, latitude in positive 'Extrapolated from the VGP to Albuquerque coordinates. 6Method of rotating field vectors (Hoffman,

degrees northward.

1986) such that the axial geocentric dipole direction for the sampling locality is vertical and positive downwards. *TRM data. **Eccentric dipole model (Liddicoat and Coe, 1979).

86

J. W. Geissman et al.
northwestward swing with shallow negative inclination, and then northeastward swing with moderate positive inclination (Table 5 ) , obviously does not include the Albuquerque ChRM direction (or its antipode). The Pringle Falls, Oregon, VGP record (Herreo-Bervera et al. 1989), which may possibly represent the Blake polarity episode, is characterized by a NE-SW clockwise loop with a radius of 60", followed by second, low-latitude counter-clockwise loop 15" in radius in the NE quadrant (Table 5, Fig. 9). The Albuquerque Volcanoes VGP does not fall near any portion of the Pringle Falls path (Fig. 9). However, there is no reason to expect two localities, separated by 15" of arc which record the same short-lived high-amplitude feature, to have identical VGP records (Harrison & Ramirez 1975). Curiously, a VGP derived from an antipode direction for the flows lies close to the end of the earlier clockwise loop in the Pringle Falls data (Fig. 9). We do find it worth noting the general similarity between the Albuquerque and the Skalamaelifell area results. While the directions recorded and associated VGP's differ significantly for the two areas, several igneous units at each area nonetheless recorded, over presumably short periods of time, essentially a constant field direction. If a comparison with field transition morphologies (Bogue & Coe 1984; Hoffman; Prevot et al. 1985) can be made, the two examples may illustrate intermediate field 'hang-ups', as recorded in continuous records of 'multiple-style' polarity transitions. Further identification of high-amplitude geomagnetic field phenomena in young volcanic and sedimentary rocks will only add to our understanding of the frequency duration, field intensity, and morphology of such features (Verosub &

CONCLUSIONS
Lava flows of the Albuquerque Volcanoes recorded a non-axial geomagnetic field direction during a portion of an excursion or polarity episode (sub-chron) in late Pleistocene time. The very short span of geomagnetic field time recorded by the lavas, most likely less than a century or so, severely limits the significance of correlating this feature with or incorporating the Albuquerque data in early contemporaneous geomagnetic features. Comparison of the Albuquerque result with other data, in either VGP coordinates or rotated geomagnetic field vector coordinates (Hoffman 1986), is an unjustified exercise, only intended to satisfy curiosity. For TRM records, we note simply that the Albuquerque VGP is over 40" from the nearest VGP (FZ, Lake Mungo excursion, Table 5) and approximately 30" from the same result in rotated field direction coordinates. Unless the age of Albuquerque volcanism is more accurately determined, the utility of the Albuquerque excursion as a stratigraphic tool for dating sections of late Pleistocene sediments is limited. Because field directions more typical of the Brunhes Chron have not been recorded by any of the Albuquerque lavas, an internal comparison of magnetization intensities for relative palaeointensity evaluation is as well precluded. While we plan to obtain palaeointensity data, such data are probably of little use in discriminating between a true short-lived reversal or an excursion (Champion et al. 1988). Strictly speaking, the Albuquerque result can only be compared with features recorded, in a global sense, in nearby units. The Mono Lake excursion, defined by a

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VGP'S
0

Rotated Field Vectors

N
I

180

Figure 9. Comparison of Albuquerque Volcanoes data with the late Pleistocene record from Pringle Falls, Oregon (Herrero-Bervera et al. 1989). (a) North polar projection of virtual geomagnetic poles. Small closed (upper hemisphere) and open (lower hemisphere) circles are the Pringle Falls record. Squares are the Albuquerque Volcanoes VGPs. Triangles are site locations. (b) Rotated geomagnetic field vectors (Hoffman 1984b) for the Pringle Falls record (circles), extrapolated to Albuquerque coordinates, and the Albuquerque Volcanoes result

(square). Numbers by the Pringle Falls records refer to stratigraphic location of samples.

Albuquerque volcanoes palaeomagnetism

Benerjee 1977). As also noted by Champion et al. (1988), the short polarity event record for t h e past million years shows several possible sub-chrons, occurring a t roughly 100 kyr intervals. This observation may reflect a fortuitous bias in the sampling of the field. Accurate dating of excursion or polarity episode records, or even fragments thereof, should continue t o be a critical aspect of excursion research. Several relatively recent techniques for dating young lavas [e.g., 40Ar/39Ar step heating (Hall & York 1984), cation-ratio and accelerator ratiocarbon (Dom 1985), and 3He/4He,36Cl,and 40Ar-39Ar exposure ages (Gillespie 1987; Kurz et al. 1987; Leavy el al. 1987), and electron-spin resonance (Imai, Shimokawa & Hirota 1985)] might be considered whenever possible to further improve our understanding of the timing of excursion phenomena.

87

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Albuquerque O p e n Space Park Commission allowed us

to conduct sampling of the Albuquerque Volcanoes. Discussions with and reviews by Duane Champion and Ken Hoffman proved invaluable. W e thank E. Herreto-Bervera and colleagues for a preprint of their work. J. Bearzi, B. Linsley, R. Perry, C. Terhune, and L. Trask in the Quaternary Studies programme aided in soil profile investigations. This specific study was not funded by any external or internal funding agencies, except for field assistance t o L. Brown provided by the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources. Sharon Fisher and Mabel Chavez kindly prepared t h e manuscript.

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