Thermo-tectonic development of the Wandel Sea Basin, North Greenland

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Japsen ◽  
Paul F. Green ◽  
James A. Chalmers
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
Vitrinite Reflectance ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Fault Zones ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Ne Atlantic ◽  
Uplift And Erosion ◽  
North Greenland

<p>The Carboniferous to Palaeogene Wandel Sea Basin of North Greenland is an important piece in the puzzle of Arctic geology, particularly for understanding how the Paleocene–Eocene movement of the Greenland Plate relates to the compressional tectonics in the High Arctic; e.g. Eurekan Orogeny (arctic Canada), West Spitzbergen Orogeny (Svalbard) and Kronprins Christian Land Orogeny (North Greenland). We will refer collectively to these manifestations related to the movement of the Greenland Plate as the Eurekan Orogeny. Here, we present apatite fission-track analysis (AFTA) and vitrinite reflectance (VR) data combined with observations from the stratigraphic record to place constraints on the timing of key tectonic events.</p><p>Our study reveals a long history of episodic burial and exhumation since the collapse of the Palaeozoic fold belts along the east and north coasts of Greenland. Our results provide evidence for pre-Cenozoic phases of uplift and erosion in Early Permian, Late Triassic, Late Jurassic and mid-Cretaceous times, all of which involved removal of sedimentary covers that were 2 km thick or more.</p><p>Paleocene cooling and exhumation affected the major fault zones of the Wandel Sea Basin. The Paleocene episode thus defines the timing of the compressional event that caused folding and thrusting of Upper Cretaceous and older sediments along these fault zones. We conclude that the Paleocene inversion of the fault zones took place in the initial phase of the Eurekan Orogeny after the onset of seafloor spreading west of Greenland</p><p>Regional cooling, reflecting exhumation of the Wandel Sea Basin and surrounding regions, began at the end of the Eocene. Prior to the onset of exhumation, a cover of about 2.5 km of Paleocene–Eocene sediments had accumulated across a wide area. Northern Peary Land, north of the Harder Fjord Fault Zone, was uplifted about 1 km more than the area south of the fault zone during this episode. Regional denudation and reverse faulting that began at the end of the Eocene took place after the end of sea-floor spreading in the Labrador Sea and thus represent a post-Eurekan tectonic phase. A major plate reorganisation in the NE Atlantic and regional exhumation of West and East Greenland and adjacent Arctic regions took place at the same time, coinciding with a minimum of spreading rates in the NE Atlantic followed by expansion of the Iceland Plume.</p><p>Cooling from mid-late Miocene palaeotemperatures at sea level correspond to burial below a rock column about 1.8 km thick.</p><p>The preserved sedimentary sequences of the Wandel Sea Basin represent remnants of thicker strata, much of which was subsequently removed during multiple episodes of uplift and erosion. The thickness of these sedimentary covers implies that they must have extended substantially beyond the present-day outline of the basin, and thus that it at times was coherent with the sedimentary basins in the Arctic, as has been suggested from stratigraphic correlations.</p>

scholarly journals Thermo-tectonic development of the Wandel Sea Basin, North Greenland

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Japsen ◽  
Paul F. Green ◽  
James A. Chalmers
Keyword(s):  
Vitrinite Reflectance ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Sea Floor ◽  
Sedimentary Sequences ◽  
Major Fault ◽  
Fold Belts ◽  
Thick Overburden ◽  
Sea Floor Spreading ◽  
North Greenland

The Carboniferous–Palaeogene Wandel Sea Basin of eastern North Greenland (north of 80°N, east of 40°W) is an important piece in the puzzle of Arctic geology. It is particularly important for understanding how the Paleocene–Eocene convergence between Greenland, the Canadian Arctic and Svalbard relates to the compressional tectonics in the High Arctic, collectively known as the Eurekan Orogeny. In this study, we present apatite fission-track analysis (AFTA) data and review published vitrinite reflectance data combined with observations from the stratigraphic record to place firmer constraints on the timing of key tectonic events. This research study reveals a long history of episodic burial and exhumation since the collapse of the Palaeozoic fold belts in Greenland. Our results define pre-Cenozoic exhumation episodes in early Permian, Late Triassic, Late Jurassic and mid-Cretaceous times, each involving the removal of kilometre-scale sedimentary covers. Mid-Paleocene exhumation defines the timing of compression along the major fault zones during the first stage of the Eurekan Orogeny, after the onset of sea-floor spreading west of Greenland. Regional exhumation that began at the end of the Eocene led to the removal of most of a kilometre-thick cover that had accumulated during Eocene subsidence and involved a major reverse movement along the Harder Fjord Fault Zone, northern Peary Land. These events took place after the end of sea-floor spreading west of Greenland, and thus, represent post-Eurekan tectonics. Mid–late Miocene exhumation is most likely a consequence of uplift and incision across most of the Wandel Sea Basin study area. The preserved sedimentary sequences of the Wandel Sea Basin represent remnants of thicker strata that likely extended substantially beyond the present-day outline of the basin. We find that the present-day outline of the basin with scattered sedimentary outliers is primarily the result of fault inversion during Eurekan compression followed by deposition and removal of a kilometre-thick overburden.

LATERAL AND VERTICAL RANK VARIATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION

1978 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 143 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.J Kantsler ◽  
G. C. Smith ◽  
A. C. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Vitrinite Reflectance ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Hydrocarbon Exploration ◽  
Hydrocarbon Generation ◽  
Marked Rise ◽  
Canning Basin ◽  
Early Maturation ◽  
Late Tertiary ◽  
Uplift And Erosion ◽  
Gas Fields

Vitrinite reflectance measurements are used to determine the vertical and lateral patterns of rank variation within four Australian sedimentary basins. They are also used to estimate palaeotemperatures which, in conjunction with present well temperatures, allow an appraisal of the timing of coalification and of hydrocarbon generation and distribution.The Canning Basin has a pattern of significant pre-Jurassic coalification which was interrupted by widespread uplift and erosion in the Triassic. Mesozoic and Tertiary coalification is generally weak, resulting in a pattern of rank distribution unfavourable to oil occurrence but indicating some potential for gas. The Cooper Basin also has a depositional break in the Triassic, but the post-Triassic coalification is much more significant than in the Canning Basin. The major gas fields are in, or peripheral to, areas which underwent strong, early, telemagmatic coalification whereas the oil-prone Tirrawarra area is characterized by a marked rise in temperature in the late Tertiary. The deeper parts of the Bass Basin underwent early coalification and are in the zone of oil generation, while most of the remaining area is immature. Inshore areas of the Gippsland Basin are also characterized by early coalification. Areas which are further offshore are less affected by this phase of early maturation, but underwent rapid burial and a sharp rise in temperature in the late Tertiary.

SEISMIC STRUCTURE AND EXTENSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE EASTERN OTWAY BASIN-TORQUAY EMBAYMENT

1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 436 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.T. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Vitrinite Reflectance ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Seismic Structure ◽  
Hinge Zone ◽  
Uplift And Erosion ◽  
Basin Margin

The Eastern Otway Basin exhibits two near-or-thogonal structural grains, specifically NE-SW and WNW-ESE trending structures dominating the Otway Ranges, Colac Trough and Torquay Embayment. The relative timing of these structures is poorly constrained, but dip analysis data from offshore seismic lines in the Torquay Embayment show that two distinct structural provinces developed during two separate extensional episodes.The Snail Terrace comprises the southern structural province of the Torquay Embayment and is characterised by the WNW-ESE trending basin margin fault and a number of small scale NW-SE trending faults. The Torquay Basin Deep makes up the northern structural province and is characterised by the large scale, cuspate Snail Fault which trends ENE-WSW with a number of smaller NE-SW trending faults present.Dip analysis of basement trends shows a bimodal population in the Torquay Embayment. The Snail Terrace data show extension towards the SSW (193°), but this trend changes abruptly to the NE across a hinge zone. Dip data in the Torquay Basin Deep and regions north of the hinge zone show extension towards the SSE (150°). Overall the data show the dominance of SSE extension with a mean vector of 166°.Seismic data show significant growth of the Crayfish Group on the Snail Terrace and a lesser growth rate in the Torquay Basin Deep. Dip data from the Snail Terrace are therefore inferred to represent the direction of basement rotation during the first phase of continental extension oriented towards the SSW during the Berriasian-Barremian? (146-125 Ma). During this phase the basin margin fault formed as well as NE-SW trending ?transtensional structures in the Otway Ranges and Colac Trough, probably related to Palaeozoic features.Substantial growth along the Snail Fault during the Aptian-Albian? suggests that a second phase of extension affected the area. The Colac Trough, Otway Ranges, Torquay Embayment and Strzelecki Ranges were significantly influenced by this Bassian phase of SSE extension which probably persisted during the Aptian-Albian? (125-97 Ma). This phase of extension had little effect in the western Otway Basin, west of the Sorrel Fault Zone, and was largely concentrated in areas within the northern failed Bass Strait Rift. During the mid-Cretaceous parts of the southern margin were subjected to uplift and erosion. Apatite fission track and vitrinite reflectance analyses show elevated palaeotemperatures associated with uplift east of the Sorell Fault Zone.

UPLIFT AND EROSION ON THE ASHMORE PLATFORM, NORTH WEST SHELF: CONFLICTING EVIDENCE FROM MATURATION INDICATORS.

1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 333
Author(s):  
G.R. Beardsmore ◽  
P.B. O'Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Vitrinite Reflectance ◽  
Temperature Drop ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Conflicting Evidence ◽  
Uplift And Erosion ◽  
Two Populations ◽  
Track Analysis

The Ashmore Platform is situated to the north of the Browse Basin, on the North West Shelf, off the coast of Western Australia. Apatite fission track analysis (AFTA™), vitrinite reflectance and fluo­rescence alteration of multiple macerals (FAMM) measurements were undertaken on drill cuttings material recovered from the Late Triassic sequence of the oil exploration well, Ashmore Reef-1.Vitrinite reflectance measurements indicate that the Late Triassic sequence is currently experienc­ing maximum temperature. However, reflectance methods were suspected of being unreliable due to suppression of the reflectance, a common problem when dealing with marine influenced sediments. The FAMM technique was used to provide an alter­native maturity estimate using the same speci­mens. The FAMM results suggested that vitrinite reflectance is suppressed and that the true matu­rity is higher than conventional reflectance mea­surements predict.The results also suggest that some of the cuttings material from the sampled level is contaminated by material from higher in the Late Triassic sequence. Both the AFTA™ and FAMM data show bi-modal populations from some depths. It was possible to distinguish between the two populations and esti­mate the maturity of the caved material. FAMM and AFTA™ results together imply that maximum palaeotemperature was reached in the Mid-Creta­ceous, corresponding to a major unconformity in the well.The FAMM results do not agree with published maturity estimates based on conodont alteration indices (CAI), which suggest that temperatures have only recently and rapidly reached current levels. The AFTA™ results can also be interpreted to support this model. Furthermore, sonic velocity data in Miocene limestone suggests post-Miocene erosion, which would be expected to be associated with a temperature drop.

Seismic modelling of fault zones

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 599
Author(s):  
Emanuelle Frery ◽  
Laurent Langhi ◽  
Julian Strand ◽  
Jeffrey Shragge
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Properties ◽  
Fault Zone ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Fault Zones ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Seismic Modelling ◽  
Seismic Image ◽  
Wide Range

While faults have long been known as primary pathways for fluid migration in sedimentary basins, recent work highlights the importance of fault zone internal architecture, lateral variation, transmissivity, and impact on migration and trapping. The impacts of fault zone architecture and properties on seismic images are investigated to facilitate accurately mapped fault zones, and to predict subseismic flow properties and sealing potential. A wedge-type fault model with a main fault and a synthetic fault displacing a typical North West Shelf siliciclastic succession is used to replicate the geometrical components of a seismic-scale fault. Elastic properties are derived from rock physics models, which are used in a 2D elastic modelling algorithm to produce realistic marine seismic acquisition geometry. These data were subsequently input into a 2D prestack (one-way wave-equation) migration code to produce an interpretable seismic image. Base-case elastic properties are systematically varied; modelling focuses on gouge properties, fractured fault zone material, the sandstone Vp/Vs relationship, and shale-sand velocity contrast. The workflow from geological model building to elastic property substitution and forward seismic modelling is extremely quick and versatile, allowing testing of a wide range of scenarios. So far this approach has yielded valuable insights into internal fault property prediction and interpretation of the fault zone in traditional post-stack seismic datasets. Implications for processing workflow and attenuation of fault shadows are also expected.

THE POST-GLACIAL COLONIZATION OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC ISLANDS

1988 ◽  
Vol 120 (S144) ◽  
pp. 55-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.A. Downes
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
North American ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Land Bridge ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Atlantic ◽  
North Greenland ◽  
Arctic Fauna

AbstractThe paper discusses the nature and origins of the present-day insect faunas of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faeroes in relation to those of North America and Europe. The markedly warm-adapted faunas of the Early Tertiary were modified or eliminated as the climate cooled from the Oligocene onward to the Pleistocene glaciations. The Wisconsinan glaciation peaked about 20 000 years ago, and then gave way rapidly to the arctic and cool temperate climates of the present, and the North Atlantic islands thus became habitable again but separated by wide expanses of northern seas. At most only a few strongly arctic-adapted species could have persisted through the Pleistocene and no land bridges from the continents have existed since the Early Miocene, 20 million years ago.Southern Greenland, Iceland, and the Faeroes have been colonized across sea passages from the adjacent continents, mainly by air but partly by sea, during the postglacial period (ca. 10 000 years). The faunas are all young, with no endemic species among about 2000 in all; the faunas are not arctic but distinctly subarctic, mainly of the High and Low Boreal life zones, and derived from these life zones of North America or Europe. The naturally established faunas are small or very small, less than 14% of the corresponding continental faunas, and are obviously disharmonic, with some groups absent across the North Atlantic, e.g. Culicidae, Tabanidae, Tachinidae, Papilionoidea, aculeate Hymenoptera (except Bombus sp.). This indicates a severe "sweepstakes" route. The lack of Tachinidae is noteworthy because their hosts are plentiful, and indicates dispersal by air, with adult Tachinidae, unlike adult Lepidoptera, unable to make the journey; dispersal by a land bridge would offer parasites and hosts an equal opportunity. Aerial transport is indicated also by the high proportion of migrant species (of Lepidoptera) in the island faunas, and the arrival in Surtsey (a new volcanic island) of almost 25% of the Icelandic fauna in 12 years. The Surtsey observations suggest that the Icelandic fauna is preadapted to aerial dispersal, by selection during its journey from Europe.The fauna of southern Greenland is derived partly from boreal America and partly from boreal Europe. The North American moiety becomes vestigial in Iceland and the Faeroes and does not reach Europe. Iceland and the Faeroes have been populated from northwestern Europe, especially Britain and Scandinavia. A few species extend to southern Greenland and thence, or even directly, reach North America, and have thus completed a post-glacial traverse of the North Atlantic.The fauna of North Greenland differs fundamentally from all the above. It is a high arctic fauna, nearly identical with the high arctic fauna in Canada, and thus complete, not disharmonie, though very small by virtue of its high arctic nature. It has encountered no "sweepstakes" dispersal. North Greenland is separated from High Arctic Canada only by a narrow channel which permits winter dispersal by wind across unbroken sea ice. Biologically, North Greenland is part of the North American High Arctic, and although certain species (e.g. mosquitoes and butterflies) may extend somewhat into southern Greenland, it has not contributed to the basic faunas of the North Atlantic islands.Among other problems, the extreme variability in wing pattern of many Lepidoptera in Iceland, the Faeroes, and Shetland is also commented on.

The role of bacteria in degradation of exposed massive sulphides at Citronen Fjord, North Greenland: project ‘Resources of the sedimentary basins of North and East Greenland’

1997 ◽  
pp. 39-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjarne R. Langdahl ◽  
Bo Elberling
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Oxygen ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Environmental Research ◽  
Joint Project ◽  
East Greenland ◽  
Sulphide Ores ◽  
North Greenland ◽  
Massive Sulphides

NOTE: This article was published in a former series of GEUS Bulletin. Please use the original series name when citing this article, for example: Langdahl, B. R., & Elberling, B. (1997). The role of bacteria in degradation of exposed massive sulphides at Citronen Fjord, North Greenland: project ‘Resources of the sedimentary basins of North and East Greenland’. Geology of Greenland Survey Bulletin, 176, 39-43. https://doi.org/10.34194/ggub.v176.5059 _______________ The multidisciplinary research project ‘Resources of the sedimentary basins of North and East Greenland’ was initiated in 1995 with financial support from the Danish Research Councils (Stemmerik et al., 1996). The Citronen Fjord zinc prospect (Fig. 1) discovered by Platinova A/S in 1993 is by far the largest sulphide occurrence known in North Greenland, and is currently being investigated as a potential exploitable resource. However, the mining and processing of sulphide ores can create serious pollution problems in the surrounding terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by exposing large amounts of sulphidic material to atmospheric oxygen and ‘attack’ by mineral-oxidising bacteria. At lower latitudes, the slow abiotic oxidation of metal sulphides is known to be significantly accelerated by bacterial attack. A microbiological investigation of the Citronen Fjord zinc deposit was initiated in the summer of 1995 to investigate the role bacteria might play in oxidation of sulphidic material in High Arctic areas. This is a joint project involving the Danish Environmental Research Institute (Department of Arctic Environment) and the University of Aarhus (Department of Microbial Ecology). 

Palynology and deposition in the Wandel Sea Basin, eastern North Greenland

2000 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars Stemmerik
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
Barents Sea ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Early Carboniferous ◽  
Upper Jurassic ◽  
Upper Permian ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Orogenic Belts ◽  
North Greenland

NOTE: This article was published in a former series of GEUS Bulletin. Please use the original series name when citing this article, for example: Stemmerik, L. (2000). Palynology and deposition in the Wandel Sea Basin, eastern North Greenland. Geology of Greenland Survey Bulletin, 187, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.34194/ggub.v187.5191 _______________ This collection of papers adds to the understanding of the stratigraphic, depositional and structural history of the Wandel Sea Basin in eastern North Greenland (Fig. 1). Most importantly, the ages of the initial (Carboniferous) and final (Palaeogene) depositional events are now much better constrained than previously, allowing correlation with the successions in East Greenland, Svalbard and the Barents Sea. The Wandel Sea Basin was an area of accumulation through the Early Carboniferous to the Palaeogene period, located at the margins of the stable Greenland craton where the Caledonian and Ellesmerian orogenic belts intersect (Fig. 1). Two main epochs of basin evolution have been recognised during previous studies of the basin fill: a Late Palaeozoic – Early Triassic epoch characterised by a fairly simple system of grabens and half-grabens, and a Mesozoic epoch dominated by strike-slip movements (Håkansson & Stemmerik 1989). The Mesozoic epoch only influenced that part of the basin north of the Trolle Land fault zone and its eastward extension (Fig. 1). Thus the northern and southern parts of the basin have very different structural and depositional histories, and accordingly different thermal histories and hydrocarbon potential as exemplified by the tectono-stratigraphic study of northern Amdrup Land by Stemmerik et al. (2000, this volume). This study shows that the Sommerterrasserne fault is the south-eastern extension of the Trolle Land fault zone, dividing Amdrup Land into two areas with different stratigraphic and structural histories. Sediments of the Upper Permian Midnatfjeld Formation are restricted to north-east of the Sommerterrasserne fault where they are conformably overlain by Upper Jurassic sediments. In this area the Carboniferous – Upper Jurassic succession is folded in broad domal folds with NE–SW-oriented axes, whereas the Upper Palaeozoic sediments are gently dipping south-west of the fault. Folding most likely took place during the latest Cretaceous correlating with compressional events that also affected the sedimentary basins at Kilen and Prinsesse Ingeborg Halvø further to the north in the Trolle Land fault zone.

Halokinetic initiation of Mesozoic tectonics in the southern North Sea: a regional model

1994 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Allen ◽  
P. A. Griffiths ◽  
J. Craig ◽  
W. R. Fitches ◽  
R. J. Whittington
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
North Sea ◽  
Fault Zones ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Northern Margin ◽  
Southern North Sea ◽  
The North ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Zechstein Salt ◽  
Shape Changes

AbstractThe North Dogger Fault Zone is located at the northern margin of the UK Southern North Sea Basin, at the edge of the mobile Zechstein Supergroup, and was particularly active during late Triassic and early Jurassic times. It resembles geometrically, and is related tectonically to, the Dowsing Fault Zone which was initiated in late Scythian time along the southwestern edge of the mobile salt. It is proposed that both of these basin-bounding fault systems were initiated in response to the buoyant growth of salt swells in the centre of the Southern North Sea Basin. Passive folding of the Triassic strata over the swells, which accommodated the shape changes caused by halokinesis, led to extension on the fault zones at the edge of the mobile Zechstein salt.

scholarly journals Molecular characteristics of Bombus (Alpinobombus) polaris from North Greenland with comments on its general biology and phylogeography

Polar Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Mohamadzade Namin ◽  
Tae-Yoon Park ◽  
Chuleui Jung ◽  
Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Origin ◽  
Climate Scenario ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Female Specimen ◽  
Geographic Proximity ◽  
High Level ◽  
North Greenland

AbstractThe bumble bee Bombus polaris (Curtis 1835) is known from the northernmost region of Greenland. But how it can survive there, where in terms of geographic origin it came from, and which species in addition to B. pyrrhopygus (Friese 1902) genetically it is most closely related to are insufficiently answered questions that have motivated us to carry out this study. On the basis of a molecular analysis of the cytochrome oxidase I gene of a B. (Alpinobombus) polaris from North Greenland (82° 48′ N; 42° 14′ W), we conclude that the female specimen we analysed was most closely related to the Canadian populations of B. polaris. Geographic proximity, occurrence of B. polaris on Ellesmere Island and wind direction are likely factors that have aided B. polaris to establish itself in northern and eastern Greenland. The presence of five haplotypes in the studied sequences from Greenland indicates a moderately high level of genetic diversity of B. polaris in Greenland, reflecting the successful adaptation of B. polaris populations. In the broader context of entomological life in the high Arctic, our results on B. polaris allow us to conclude that the survival of pollinating species in the high Arctic under the changing climate scenario depends not only on the weather but also on an individual’s opportunity to continue to locate suitable food sources, i.e. pollen and nectar in the case of B. polaris. This aspect, briefly touched upon in this study, is of relevance not just to B. polaris, but the Arctic entomofauna generally.

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