The evolution of the Porcupine and Rockall basins, offshore Ireland: the geological template for carbonate mound development

摘要: The margins of the deep-water sedimentary basins west Ireland contain a number large clusters (provinces) spectacular carbonate mounds and build-ups. These have complex development history involving interplay rift tectonics, thermal subsidence, igneous activity oceanographic variations. Porcupine Rockall both rest upon thin continental crust, consequence major episodes in Permo-Triassic, Late Jurassic Early Cretaceous times. Phases volcanism occurred especially Cenozoic. Fluid flow within is likely to been controlled by overall basin geometry distribution linkage permeable strata with fault systems, stratal surfaces unconformities. A regional unconformities, tectonic effects, can be mapped correlated throughout basins. youngest these unconformities (C10: Pliocene) traced much NW European Atlantic margin. It forms horizon on which virtually all develop, suggesting geologically instantaneous mound nucleation growth event. Although control their uncertain, show spatial association lithified strata, buried contourite deltaic deposits, slope failure features margins. Analysis relationships points combination geological processes controlling initiation growth.