Magnetic disturbances caused by rocks are localized effects superimposed on the normal [[Wikipedia:Magnetic field#Earth's magnetic field|magnetic field of the earth]]. The distribution of [[magnetite]] in rocks is the primary cause of the local variations in the magnetic field observed in magnetic surveys. Magnetite is not the only magnetic mineral, but it is the dominant cause of magnetic anomalies.<ref name=ch14r7>Nettleton, L. L., 1962, Elementary Gravity and Magnetics for Geologists and Seismologists: Society of Exploration Geophysicists Monograph Series 1, 121 p.</ref> The magnetite content of [[basement]] rocks can be two orders of magnitude greater than the magnetite content of sedimentary rocks. Consequently, variations in the magnetic field result mainly from basement rocks underlying the sedimentary section. | Magnetic disturbances caused by rocks are localized effects superimposed on the normal [[Wikipedia:Magnetic field#Earth's magnetic field|magnetic field of the earth]]. The distribution of [[magnetite]] in rocks is the primary cause of the local variations in the magnetic field observed in magnetic surveys. Magnetite is not the only magnetic mineral, but it is the dominant cause of magnetic anomalies.<ref name=ch14r7>Nettleton, L. L., 1962, Elementary Gravity and Magnetics for Geologists and Seismologists: Society of Exploration Geophysicists Monograph Series 1, 121 p.</ref> The magnetite content of [[basement]] rocks can be two orders of magnitude greater than the magnetite content of sedimentary rocks. Consequently, variations in the magnetic field result mainly from basement rocks underlying the sedimentary section. |