A Holocene paleomagnetic record from Kucukcekmece Lagoon, NW Turkey

Abstract

Lake sediments are very useful for providing high-resolution records of geomagnetic field variations, especially for the Holocene period. We present high-resolution paleomagnetic records from three cores (KCL12P1, P2, and P3) recovered from Kucukcekmece Lagoon, located at the northern shoreline of the Sea of Marmara, Turkey. The cores were subjected to a comprehensive paleomagnetic and rock magnetic investigation using oriented samples. According to the age-depth model, based on radiocarbon dating and X-ray fluorescence-derived Ca/Ti element ratios, tuned to available oxygen isotope records based on an absolute calendar-year time-scale, we obtained a new paleomagnetic record for the last 3800 years. Low paleointensities were found during 1500-2000 BP. Stacked paleomagnetic directions from Kucukcekmece Lagoon were correlated to regional geomagnetic field models. This correlation proved that the paleomagnetic records (paleointensity, inclination) obtained from the Kucukcekmece Lagoon sediments considerably agree with the data from the surrounding region over the past 3800 years.