Definition of tectono-sedimentary elements for rifted continental margins of the Norwegian and Greenland seas

作者：Harald Brekke, Halvor Bunkholt, Jan Inge Faleide, Michael B.W. Fyhn · 发表于：Geological Society London Memoirs · 年份：2021 · DOI：10.1144/m57-2021-31 · 被引用次数：11 · 研究领域：Geological Studies and Exploration、Geological formations and processes、Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis

The geology of the conjugate continental margins of the Norwegian and Greenland Seas reflects 400 myr of post-Caledonian continental rifting, continental break-up between early Eocene and Miocene times, and subsequent passive-margin conditions accompanying seafloor spreading. During Devonian–Carboniferous time, rifting and continental deposition prevailed, but from the mid-Carboniferous rifting decreased and marine deposition commenced in the north, culminating in a Late Permian open seaway as rifting resumed. The seaway became partly filled by Triassic and Lower Jurassic sediments causing mixed marine–non-marine deposition. A permanent, open seaway was established by the end of the Early Jurassic and was followed by the development of an axial line of deep-marine Cretaceous basins. The final, strong rift pulse of continental break-up occurred along a line oblique to the axis of these basins. The Jan Mayen microcontinent formed by resumed rifting in a part of the East Greenland margin in Eocene–Miocene times. This complex tectonic development is reflected in the sedimentary record in the two conjugate margins, which clearly shows their common pre-break-up geological development. The strong correlation between the two present margins is the basis for defining seven tectono-sedimentary elements (TSEs) and establishing eight composite tectono-sedimentary elements (CTSEs) in the region.