Cenozoic tectonostratigraphy and pre-glacial erosion: A mass-balance study of the northwestern Barents Sea margin, Norwegian Arctic

摘要: Abstract The evolution of the northwestern Barents Sea continental margin, part a NW-SE trending mega shear zone, has been reconstructed in order to quantify sedimentation and erosion affecting this area during after its formation Paleogene–Neogene. This development was closely related sea-floor opening Norwegian-Greenland Sea. Our study incorporated 2D seismic data, well information from shallow cores. During Paleocene–Eocene, northwesternmost margin subjected compression-transpression that led West Spitsbergen Fold-Thrust Belt (WSFTB) largely affected northern area. To south, Vestbakken volcanic province developed pull-apart setting. A transition zone separates these two areas marked by basin morphology becoming more pronounced south suggesting increasing subsidence extension. Subsequently, Oligocene, extension spreading were initiated along whole resulting Fram Strait between NE Greenland Miocene. Paleocene, Stappen High shelf sourced sediments into newly developing basins. southwestern WSFTB, High, are interpreted as main sediment source Eocene. Oligocene Neogene, larger is have acted including Edgeoya platform. As result development, wider itself inferred lowland prior hemisphere glaciations. We found average rate for Paleogene–Neogene at about 0.034 m/k.y. number agreement with reported present-day fluvial systems modern rates coastal erosion. By using mass-balance approach, we also estimated net period be ∼2440 m 0.038 m/k.y, respectively. times higher compared probably reflecting tectonically active margin. Thus, western general trend pre-glacial northwards can inferred. suggests than half Cenozoic studied origin.