Correlation of the Permian-Triassic Ore-Bearing Intrusions of the Norilsk Region with the Volcanic Sequence of the Siberian Traps Based on the Paleomagnetic Data

Abstract We present detailed paleomagnetic data from the Permian-Triassic Cu-Ni-Pt–bearing intrusions of the Norilsk region (northwestern Siberian platform). Based on the analysis of geomagnetic secular variations recorded in the intrusions, we correlate the Norilsk ore-bearing intrusions with the Siberian Traps volcanic sequences in the region. The similarity of paleomagnetic directions of the ore-bearing intrusions to those of the Morongovsky and Mokulaevsky volcanic formations suggests that the emplacement of these lavas and intrusions occurred during the same stage of the magmatic activity. Furthermore, some weakly mineralized intrusions and barren nondifferentiated sills demonstrate paleomagnetic directions close to those of the ore-bearing intrusions. This implies that ore-bearing, weakly mineralized, and barren intrusions were emplaced during the same stage of magmatic activity. On the other hand, the paleomagnetic directions of different ore-bearing intrusions (Norilsk 1, Talnakh, and Kharaelakh), while close, are statistically different. Thus, the formation of these three intrusions and their satellites corresponds to discrete magmatic events within the same stage of magmatic activity. Based on the paleomagnetic data, the emplacement duration of individual intrusions can be estimated as <10 k.y. Our correlation scheme is consistent with some genetic models for the ore-bearing intrusions. The analysis of geomagnetic secular variations can be used as an independent tool for the investigation of other Cu-Ni and platinum group element-bearing magmatic complexes.