The purpose of this proposal is to study the magnetization of seamounts by examining paleomagnetic data from seamounts and from an analysis of magnetic properties of seamount rocks. Two types of samples will be used: dredged samples from Jasper seamount and others and oriented cores from the exposure of an uplifted seamount on the island of La Palma (Canary Is.). The PIs wish to develop a first order data set on the magnetic properties of seamount rocks, to determine the range of remanent and induced magnetization, to determine the effects of weathering (age and oxidation), to examine the origin of remanence and the importance of viscoremanent magnetization. This project is important because an understanding of seamount magnetism is necessary if the history of oceanic plates is to be determined. The in-depth study of Jasper Seamount, by coupling paleomagnetic measurements with petrologic data and rock magnetic properties, is a realistic first step toward this end.
