The structural foundation and evolution of Mesozoic seaways between Europe and the Arctic

摘要: Abstract Throughout the Late Permian and Mesozoic proto-North Atlantic seaway formed a narrow portal that, together with linked rift systems of North Sea, controlled marine connections between Tethys, NW Europe northern (Boreal) sea. Structural, stratigraphic paleontological evidence, from offshore Norway adjacent areas, is key importance in understanding seaway's evolution. The geological development area described through series kinematically restored sedimentary/tectonic reconstructions, covering an southern Sea to USSR Barents Sea. plate-tectonic base maps on which reconstructions were drawn include first-pass attempt incorporate continental extension into kinematic model. Recognition this effect makes for more plausible paleogeographic reconstruction emphasizes narrowness NE Early Mesozoic. Basement architecture inherited Caledonian, Variscan Uralian orogenies was major influence layer basins seaways. A number long-lived crustal dislocations, dating back Caledonian or older, exercised repeated control Of particular Hitra Fault Alignment (More-Trondelag Zone) separating failed domain, Senja Hornsund part much larger (ca. 4500 km) trans-Arctic lineament. Following suturing Triassic, evolution governed by interplay transgression sequence tectonic events leading break-up Pangean supercontinent. Important extensional are recorded Mid-Permian, Triassic Jurassic-Early Cretaceous. Mid-Permian faulting facilitated southwards Later Permian, although tract did not connect Tethys. During ingressions domain restricted barriers no direct connection existed realms at extreme north southeast study area. transgressions Rhaetian Jurassic established open Tethys Boreal Toarcian times. However, again closed Middle due uplift restriction focussed central Widespread rifting Cretaceous reestablished NS amrine connection, but became increasingly Tithonian-Berriasian time as marginal intra-basinal highs developed. Final unification achieved important Aptian-Albian Cretaceous, associated ocean basin south decoupling dextral shear along Senja-Hornsund heralded Tertiary floor spreading Arctic Oceans.