Test of Conglomerates in the Neoproterozoic Katav Formation (Southern Urals)

Abstract—In order to prove the synchronicity of magnetization with the formation of rocks of the Neoproterozoic Katav Formation (Southern Urals), a paleomagnetic conglomerate test was performed. Samples of breccias from two sections of the carbonate Katav Formation in the vicinity of Tolparovo and Katav–Ivanovsk were studied. Petrographic and electron microscopic studies of polished sections have been carried out, confirming the proximity of the mineral composition in the fragments and matrix. The qualitative assessment of the randomness of the directions of magnetization of the fragments according to Graham was verified by more stringent Rayleigh and Hodges–Ajne criteria. The results suggest that the conglomerate test is positive, and the high-temperature magnetization component in the rocks of the Katav Formation is primary.