Paleomagnetic results from the Singhbhum Craton, India: Remagnetization, demagnetization, and complication

We report a complicated magnetic fidelity through time in Singhbhum Craton, India, with new, geographically wide-spread and spatially detailed, paleomagnetic results. The Singhbhum Craton in eastern India is cross-cut by multiple generations of the so-called Newer Dolerite dykes. A previously published 1765 Ma paleomagnetic pole represents a useful constraint on the Singhbhum Craton during the amalgamation of the Columbia super-continent whereas an older similar to 2763 Ma paleomagnetic pole is problematic. We present additional data from the 1765 Ma dykes that results in a grand mean paleomagnetic pole at 43 degrees N, 320 degrees E (A95 = 10 degrees, K = 17; N = 13). The 1765 Ma pole is supported by a positive baked contact test. Our additional data shows that paleomagnetic results from the 1765 Ma dykes are more complicated by magnetic overprints than originally reported. We also argue that the steep inclination paleomagnetic data from the Singhbhum Craton, previously assumed to represent a Neoarchean signal, are part of a complicated group whose magnetic age is uncertain. We establish a minimum age of 2250 Ma for connecting the Singhbhum and Dharwar cratons on the basis of published geochronology and our interpretation of paleomagnetic data in this paper. Paleomagnetic data from both cratons can be juxtaposed using a simple Euler pole rotation of the Singhbhum Craton relative to Dharwar.

Automated summary

In this study, a complicated magnetic fidelity through time in the Singhbhum Craton, India, is reported using new, geographically wide-spread and spatially detailed paleomagnetic results. The study reveals a 1765 Ma paleomagnetic pole, with the data from this time period showing magnetic overprints and uncertain magnetic age. Additionally, the steep inclination paleomagnetic data previously assumed to represent a Neoarchean signal in the Singhbhum Craton are found to be part of a complex group with uncertain age.