Remagnetization of Upper Jurassic limestones from the Danubian Unit (Southern Carpathians, Romania): tectonic implications

We present a pioneering paleomagnetic study on Upper Jurassic limestones from the Danubian Unit (Southern Carpathians, Romania). Thermal and alternating field demagnetizations were applied to define the characteristic remanent magnetization component in all six localities (81 samples). All samples have a normal polarity characteristic remanent magnetization. Negative regional and local fold tests suggest that this remanent magnetization is in fact a remagnetization produced by late diagenetic processes. The studied limestones were probably remagnetized during the collision of the Getic Unit and Danubian Unit which took place during the long normal polarity Chron C34 (82-118 Ma). The area mean direction (D=75.5 degrees, I=50.0 degrees, alpha(95)=10.2 degrees, k=44) implies about 75 degrees clockwise rotation post remagnetization. Our paleomagnetic results further indicate the absence of significant relative rotation between the Getic Unit and the Danubian Unit during the Cenozoic.