Sedimentology and magnetic susceptibility of recent sediments from New Caledonia

Recent sediments from New Caledonia's lagoons reveal distinct magnetic susceptibility (MS) patterns linked to sediment composition and environmental conditions. Key findings indicate that carbonate sediments exhibit lower MS compared to detrital sediments, with mixed sediments showing MS influenced predominantly by the proportion of detrital material. Strong correlations between MS and manganese/iron content were observed, while beachrocks displayed lower MS than equivalent loose sediments. Additionally, reducing subsurface sediments exhibited higher MS than surface counterparts, suggesting environmental factors play a significant role in magnetic signal variability. The study analyzed over 300 samples for grain size, sediment nature, MS, and geochemistry, providing new insights into the primary origin of minerals carrying the MS signal in tropical coastal environments.

Jadot, H., & Boulvain, F. (2015). Sedimentology and magnetic susceptibility of recent sediments from New Caledonia. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 414(1), 111–132. https://doi.org/10.1144/sp414.2