Divergent Cretaceous paleomagnetic pole position for the Southern California Batholith, U.S.A.

Paleomagnetic measurements on 18 stable sites in plutonic rocks from the Cretaceous Southern California Batholith yield an average direction of magnetization of 3.0°, 49.5° (declination, inclination) and a mean paleomagnetic pole of 85.5°N, 22.5°E (latitude, longitude). All sites are of Normal polarity. The mean direction of magnetization for the Batholith diverges from the expected Cretaceous direction by some 26° in declination and 11.5° in inclination. This divergence can be accounted for by reference to the mechanics of transform faulting between the North American and Pacific plates.