Magnetostratigraphic data are presented for lower, middle, and upper Miocene and middle-upper Pleistocene terrigenous sections recovered during Ocean Drilling Program Leg 150 (New Jersey Margin). The study is focused on Site 903 (upper slope) and Site 904 (lower slope). Large-volume (42 cm3), quarter core discrete samples are used as a means of enhancing the practical sensitivity to measurement of very weakly magnetized sediments. Magnetostratigraphic correlations to the geomagnetic polarity time scale (GPTS) are made within the framework set forth by the biostratigraphic information and Sr age data. At Site 903, the magnetostratigraphy of Pleistocene, Pliocene, and Miocene sections to a depth of 800 mbsf is supported by diatoms, planktonic foraminifers, and dinoflagellate cysts. At Site 904, magnetostratigraphic correlation of Pleistocene and Miocene sections (0-400 mbsf) is supported by planktonic foraminifers and Sr isotope data. A middle-upper Miocene sedimentary section at Site 903 and at Site 904 bounded by common disconformities (and identified with seafloor seismic reflectors) fails to correlate magnetostratigraphically, suggesting the sedimentary sequence is younger downslope.
Date of initial receipt: 6 March 1995
Date of acceptance: 26 September 1995
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