The Palaeomagnetism of the Permian Rocks of the Black Forest, Germany

Summary Palaeomagnetic measurements made upon Permian samples from the Black Forest, Odenwald and Pfalzerwald (excluding those measurements on samples from the Schopfheim basin) are consistent with those from north-western Europe. The virtual pole based upon 18 sites is 174.9°E. 48.4N. The measurements made on the fine-grained shales and mudstones from the Schopfheim basin are significantly different from the preceding. Since incorrect age assignment, sampling, components of secondary magnetic and tectonic effects can be excluded, the difference is attributed to incomplete removal of the effects of secular variation. The Scharfenstein massif previously regarded as Permian, was found to have a magnetization consistent with a Devonian or early Carboniferous age, and a few dykes in the southern Black Forest had magnetizations consistent with a late Carboniferous or Permian age. The results suggest that both the early and late phase of acid intrusives were sampled.