Geophysikalische Untersuchung des pliozänen Vulkanmassivs von Königsberg-Klöch in der Südoststeiermark

Translated title of the contribution: Geophysical investigation of the volcanic massif Königsberg-Klöch in Southeast Styria (Austria)

Maria Nievoll

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

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Abstract

This thesis presents the results of a widespread geophysical and geological study of the Pliocene volcanic locality Königsberg-Klöch in Southeast Styria (Austria). The investigation was focused on the structures of the basaltic rocks. Geoelectrical and geomagnetic measurements were performed around the basalt quarry. The resulting models could be combined with borehole, seismic and outcrop data and led to following interpretation of the volcanic structure: The southern part of the area around the hill Seindl is dominated by a batholith. Basaltic dykes, slabs and veins are related to this volcanic dome and penetrate the overlying tuff and sediment layers. The thickness of the structures varies between some centimeters and tens of meters. Geomagnetic data show that the Königsberg in the North can be considered as a second volcanic centre. A connection between Königsberg and Seindl is possible. Shallow extensive layers were detected in the area between, which can be explained as lava flows. The castle of Klöch is built on another basalt body, which is restricted to the South of the hill Hochwarth. In the northern part several magnetic anomalies follow. Geoelectrical and geomagnetic measurements provide an acceptable tool to detect basalt bodies. Problems only occur with extremely small-scaled structures and bodies located close to each other. Seismic measurements are not useful in this case. None of the methods can be used to distinguish between “Sonnenbrenner-basalt" and dense basalt. Paleomagnetic analysis of basalts and tuff was performed with thermal and alternating field demagnetization. IRM (Isothermal Remanent Magnetization) and Curie temperature measurements aimed at the identification of the magnetic carrier minerals. Titanomagnetite with high contents of titanium could be observed in almost every investigated sample. Some samples contain magnetite and goethite as well. Samples of 15 sites around the quarry gave a stable paleomagnetic direction with an average declination of 211.0° and an inclination of -35.1°. All of the investigated sites have an inverse polarity. The results match with previous investigations of Pliocene rocks in the Styrian Basin. Volcanic activity during a pole reversal might be one possible reason for the deviant paleomagnetic direction of the Pliocene rocks in the Styrian Basin.
Translated title of the contributionGeophysical investigation of the volcanic massif Königsberg-Klöch in Southeast Styria (Austria)
Original languageGerman
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Scholger, Robert, Supervisor (internal)
Award date27 Jun 2014
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Bibliographical note

embargoed until null

Keywords

  • Klöch
  • basalt
  • pliocene volcanism
  • paleomagnetism

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