Dynamic evolution of the Faroe-Shetland region

Stoker, M.S.; Smith, K.; Kimbell, G.S.; Quinn, M.F.; Olavsdottir, J.; Eidesgaard, O.; Johnson, H.; Ziska, H.. 2015 Dynamic evolution of the Faroe-Shetland region. Edinburgh, UK, British Geological Survey, 95pp. (CR/15/001N) (Unpublished)

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Abstract/Summary

This report presents a series of twenty palaeoenvironment maps that span the interval between the Late Jurassic and the Quaternary, and which form the basis of a generalised reconstruction of the late Mesozoic–Cenozoic development of the Faroe–Shetland and adjacent region. The database behind this study is firmly grounded within the portfolio of existing FSC stratigraphic reports (Cretaceous to Eocene), though it also includes new work that has extended the stratigraphic time series back to the Kimmeridgian (Late Jurassic), and forward to the Mid-Pleistocene. A synthesis of the main structural elements – basins, highs, faults, folds – is also included as these features provide a reference framework on the maps, as well being indicators of contemporary deformation spanning the pre-, syn- and post-breakup stages of NE Atlantic development in this region. By considering the palaeoenvironment maps (our observations) we identify the following key stages in the late Mesozoic–Cenozoic ‘dynamic evolution’ of the Faroe–Shetland region: • Intermittent and localised rifting in the Late Jurassic (mid-Kimmeridgian–earliest Berriasian) and Early Cretaceous (late Berriasian–Hauterivian). • Early Cretaceous (Aptian–Albian) instigation of rifting in the Faroe-Shetland Basin with maximum extension and basin widening in the Late Cretaceous (Coniacian–Maastrichtian). Localised uplift, compression and folding in various basins, particularly in Cenomanian–Turonian. • The Paleocene onset of major extrusive volcanism initiated close to Danian/Selandian boundary; growth of major basaltic shield of Selandian–Thanetian age overlying continental crust in the vicinity of the Faroe Platform; plate breakup and associated volcanism in the earliest Eocene north and west of the Faroe Islands. • Eocene (post-breakup) episodic uplift and erosion along the southern and eastern flanks of the Faroe-Shetland Basin; this was followed by a period of major compressive structuration across the entire Faroe–Shetland region spanning the end-Eocene/Oligocene–Mid-Miocene interval; this set the template for the shape of the modern-day continental margin, including the formation of the deep-water Faroe Conduit which facilitated the transfer of intermediate- and deep-water masses across the Greenland-Scotland Ridge. By comparing the timing of these key phases of geological development of the Faroe–Shetland region with European and North Atlantic plate tectonics we identify a first-order correlation between the pattern of deformation that we observe and established changes in intraplate and/or plate boundary stresses. This raises the possibility that additional forces, including those postulated to be related specifically to the internal dynamics of a mantle plume, may not be a prerequisite to the evolution of the Faroe–Shetland region.

Item Type:	Publication - Report
Funders/Sponsors:	British Geological Survey, Jardfeingi
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	This item has been internally reviewed, but not externally peer-reviewed. Report made open in June 2021.
Date made live:	09 Jul 2021 11:51 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/530663

Item Type:

Publication - Report

Funders/Sponsors:

British Geological Survey, Jardfeingi

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

This item has been internally reviewed, but not externally peer-reviewed. Report made open in June 2021.

Date made live:

09 Jul 2021 11:51 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/530663