Redbeds and thermoviscous magnetization theory

Thermal demagnetization characteristics of a Brunhes‐age viscous overprint in Appalachian redbeds and a thermoviscous component acquired in the laboratory at moderate temperature agree well with relaxation time‐blocking temperature relations for hematite proposed by Pullaiah et al. [1975]. Supporting evidence was obtained from redbeds associated with an igneous dike intrusion although the interpretation of these data are complicated by magnetochemical alterations. Paradoxically, experimental data for magnetite in some limestones were shown to agree more closely with an alternative theory of Walton [1980]. The hematite in redbeds is predominantly singledomain (SD) whereas magnetite in the limestones studied extends well into the multidomain (MD) range. Thus experiment and theory could be reconciled if it is assumed that Pullaiah et al. applies strictly to SD material whereas Walton's theory somehow describes thermoviscous effects dominated by larger MD grains.