Degree of magnetic anisotropy as a strain-intensity gauge in a saturated finite-strain zone

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) analyses were carried out on mylonitic quartzites from the footwall of the Main Central Thrust Zone, Garhwal Higher Himalaya, India. A systematic increase in degree of magnetic anisotropy (<em>P</em>′) with distance from the Main Central Thrust is documented, even in a saturated finite-strain zone. On the basis of correlation between orientation of principal AMS axes and multidomain magnetite and the mylonitic foliation and lineation direction, strain-related recrystallization was inferred to be the cause of development of the magnetic fabric. Based on these results, it is concluded that if <em>P</em>′ is not controlled by <em>K</em>_m, then the former can be used as a strain-intensity gauge.