Tectonic inversion in the Wandel Sea Basin: A new structural model of Kilen (eastern North Greenland). Issue 12 (9th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Svennevig, Kristian; Guarnieri, Pierpaolo; Stemmerik, Lars
• Is Part Of: Tectonics. Volume 35:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 2896
• Page End: 2917
• Publication Date: 2016-12-09
• Subjects: Artic -- North Greenland -- Wandel Sea Basin -- inversion tectonics -- rifting -- compression; Geology, Structural -- Periodicals; 551.8
• DOI: 10.1002/2016TC004152
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-7407

Abstract

Abstract: The seminunatak Kilen in eastern North Greenland, with its complexly deformed Carboniferous‐Cretaceous strata, is a key area to understand the tectonic history of the transform plate boundary between eastern North Greenland and Svalbard. Detailed 3‐D geological mapping from oblique photogrammetry along with limited ground fieldwork and interpretation of previously published data forms the basis for a new structural model of Kilen. Previous structural models interpreted rhombic‐shaped fault patterns as the evidence for strike‐slip tectonics. These structures are here interpreted to be the result of a post‐Coniacian NE‐SW extension with NW‐SE trending normal faults followed by later, N‐S compression of presumable Paleocene‐Eocene age, folding the faults passively and suggesting the presence of a basal detachment. Furthermore, two thrust sheets have been distinguished on Kilen: a lower Kilen Thrust Sheet and an upper Hondal Elv Thrust Sheet separated by a subhorizontal fault: the Central Detachment. The style of deformation and the structures described are interpreted as the result of Paleocene‐Eocene N‐S directed compression resulting in basin inversion with strike‐slip faults only having minor status. This indicates that the Greenland margin as exposed on Kilen and the conjugate Svalbard margin in the West Spitsbergen fold‐and‐thrust belt are more similar than previously anticipated. Key Points: Geological mapping from oblique photogrammetry has resulted in a new structural model of Kilen The area was subjected to post‐Coniacian NE‐SW extension and Paleocene‐Eocene N‐S compression The structural complexity is interpreted to be the result of Paleocene‐Eocene tectonic inversion