With the help of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility, structural analyses can be carried out on rocks even if they do not show any macroscopic structural characteristics. The magnetic texture of a rock is not only determined by the form and crystal structure of the magnetic grains, but also by the arrangement of magnetic domains within ferromagnetic grains. This kind of alignment is directly influenced by geological stress. We were able to prove a clear link between the magnetic structure of rock and the direction of movement along the fault in the area of fault zones. New developments in equipment enable the analysis of magnetic textures which could not be measured previously. These include the structures of virtually non-magnetic rocks (limestone, dolomite, marble) and the detection of minor structural anisotropies due to deformation.

Magnetic fabric analysis of weakly deformed rocks
ÖAW (GdE) Projekt (2008 - 2012)

Using new and improved petrophysical methods, this project aims to analyse the magnetic structures of rocks from the Molasse Zone, the Styrian Basin, the Vienna Basin and the Northern Calcareous Alps, which could not be measured with previous methods, and observe regional differences in the deformation pattern in the Eastern Alps.