Abstract
Abstract This study describes the distribution and stratigraphic range of the Upper Palaeozoic–Mesozoic succession in the NE Atlantic region, and is correlated between conjugate margins and along the axis of the NE Atlantic rift system. The stratigraphic framework has yielded important new constraints on the timing and nature of sedimentary basin development in the NE Atlantic, with implications for rifting and the break-up of the Pangaean supercontinent. From a regional perspective, the Permian–Triassic succession records a northwards transition from an arid interior to a passively subsiding, mixed carbonate–siliciclastic shelf margin. A Late Permian–earliest Triassic rift pulse has regional expression in the stratigraphic record. A fragmentary paralic to shallow-marine Lower Jurassic succession reflects Early Jurassic thermal subsidence and mild extensional tectonism; this was interrupted by widespread Mid-Jurassic uplift and erosion, and followed by an intense phase of Late Jurassic rifting in some (but not all) parts of the NE Atlantic region. The Cretaceous succession is dominated by thick basinal-marine deposits, which accumulated within and along a broad zone of extension and subsidence between Rockall and NE Greenland. There is no evidence for a substantive and continuous rift system along the proto-NE Atlantic until the Late Cretaceous.
Highlights
Late Silurian Scandic phase of the Caledonian Orogeny: its subsequent Late Palaeozoic incorporation into the Pangaean supercontinent; the prolonged history of extension linked to the Mesozoic breakup of Pangaea; and, the early– midCenozoic opening of the NE Atlantic Ocean (Ziegler 1988; Doreet al. 1999; Roberts et al 1999; Torsvik et al 2002; Pharaoh et al 2010)
This study describes the distribution and stratigraphic range of the Upper Palaeozoic– Mesozoic succession in the NE Atlantic region, and is correlated between conjugate margins and along the axis of the NE Atlantic rift system
In view of the uncertainty relating to the pre-break-up configuration of the NE Atlantic rift system, this paper focuses on the Upper Palaeozoic –Mesozoic (Permian–Cretaceous) rock record preserved on the circum-NE Atlantic continental margins (Fig. 1)
Summary
Late Silurian Scandic phase of the Caledonian Orogeny: its subsequent Late Palaeozoic incorporation into the Pangaean supercontinent; the prolonged history of extension linked to the Mesozoic breakup of Pangaea; and, the early– midCenozoic opening of the NE Atlantic Ocean (Ziegler 1988; Doreet al. 1999; Roberts et al 1999; Torsvik et al 2002; Pharaoh et al 2010). Most subsequent authors that have considered the post-Caledonian evolution of the NE Atlantic region have largely continued to rely on the maps of Ziegler (1988), thereby perpetuating all of their inherent limitations This is evident in that part of the NE Atlantic region between NW Britain/Ireland and SE Greenland – the critical rift tip overlap area in the dual rift model – where the Late Palaeozoic –Mesozoic rock record is very fragmentary and only sparsely known (cf Ritchie et al 2011a; Hitchen et al 2013). The implications of our observations for the putative Late Palaeozoic –Mesozoic palaeogeographical reconstructions will be briefly discussed
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