The paleomagnetic measurement procedure at Site 503 was similar to that described for Site 502 (See preceding chapter). Each core section was measured with the longcore spinner magnetometer at 10-cm intervals. In addition, one or more discrete samples were taken from each core section for measurement of the total magnetic vector and its stability against progressive AF demagnetization. There were noteworthy differences in conditions at Site 503, however, that affected the quality and interpretation of the magnetic data and require comment. The most serious problem we encountered was the presence of rust scale from the drill string. Although the dark flecks typically were concentrated near the top of every recovered sediment core, they also smeared down a meter or more between the core liner and sediment, even when the sediment showed no indication of drilling disturbance. Individual rust scales proved to be highly magnetic - presumably because they incorporate small pieces of unoxidized metal. The anomalously high remanent intensities, several orders of magnitude above the uncontaminated sediment values, and scattered remanent directions observed in long-core magnetic measurements on many cores from Site 503 could be attributed to the presence of rust scale.

= The paleomagnetic record is not definitive at these levels. The identification of the Olduvai in Hole 68-503B assumes correct orientation between Cores 7 and 8.

Supplement to: Kent, Dennis V; Spariosu, Dann J (1982): Magnetostratigraphy of Equatorial Pacific Site 503 hydraulic piston cores. In: Prell, WL; Gardner, JV; et al. (eds.), Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (U.S. Govt. Printing Office), 68, 435-440