Relationship between magnetic susceptibility and elemental composition of Guano from Solek Cave, West Sumatera

Abstract

We measured the magnetic properties and geochemistry of guano on a vertical profile from Solek Cave in West Sumatera. The aim of study was to evaluate whether there was a relation between magnetic susceptibility and the elemental composition of guano. Samples were collected at depth every 5 cm a depth of 230 cm where bedrock was reached. Magnetic susceptibility was measured by using susceptibility meter type Bartington MS2B and the element composition of guano samples was measured by X-Ray Fluoroscence (XRF). Percentage frequency dependence magnetic susceptibility was calculated from the percentage ratio of χ lf - χ hf. The results showed that the magnetic susceptibility varied between 86.8 × 10-8 m3/kg to 2204.2 x 10-8 m3/kg. The results of the frequency dependence magnetic susceptibility indicates that the samples were dominated by multi domain magnetic grains. Additionally, guano samples were found to contain several elements such as Mg, Al, Si, Ca, K, P, Fe and Ti. In We find that there is weak correlation between magnetic susceptibility and elemental composition, particularly Fe and Ti. It indirectly shows the presence of authigenic minerals.