Abstract

Paleomagnetic study of 46 sites in Bowser Basin in central British Columbia, Canada, gives evidence of a pervasive late tectonic hydrothermal event which remagnetized all rock types. Around Oweegee Dome (56.7°N, 129.5°W), samples from Permian through Jurassic strata hold a paleomagnetic component, which postdates most tilting (negative tilt test). The westerly direction (Dec=285.5°, Inc=60.8°, k=40.0, α₉₅=4.2°, N=30 sites) is interpreted to have been acquired during Cretaceous or earliest Cenozoic time after the main stage of Skeena Fold Belt deformation in the western part of the foldbelt. The direction is anomalously shallow and counter-clockwise rotated, due to Late Cretaceous and later lateral displacements, rotations and tilting. The diagenetic event revealed by this study, its timing and its implications on subsequent tectonic motions contribute to the understanding of Bowser Basin development in support of petroleum assessment.