Cryptochrons and tiny wiggles: New magnetostratigraphic evidence from chrons 32 and 33 in Western Canada

Magnetostratigraphic results are reported for a deep core that penetrates Campanian/Maastrichtian strata in south-central Alberta, Canada. Chrons 32n, 32r, and 33n are represented. Fourteen short reversed-polarity magnetozones are present, 10 of which are interpreted as new polarity subchrons (four in 32n.2n and six in 33n). Their durations are about an order of magnitude longer than that inferred for the corresponding tiny wiggles observed in marine magnetic anomaly patterns.

► We report magnetostratigraphy from the Cretaceous of south-central Alberta, Canada. ► Fourteen short reversed-polarity magnetozones are identified. ► They are interpreted as new polarity subchrons in chrons 32n and 33n. ► They can be correlated to tiny wiggles observed in marine magnetic anomaly patterns. ► But their durations are about an order of magnitude longer.