New geophysical and geological mapping of the eastern Baffin Bay region, offshore West Greenland

Ulrik Gregersen,Paul C. Knutz,John R. Hopper

doi:10.34194/geusb.v35.4945

Ulrik Gregersen, Paul C. Knutz + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.34194/geusb.v35.4945

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Journal: GEUS Bulletin	Publication Date: Jul 15, 2016
Citations: 7	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland

Abstract

The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland has carried out a detailed mapping project in the eastern Baffin Bay region covering c. 200 000 km2 (Fig. 1). The purpose of the study was to update the previous mapping by using the most recent data and provide an improved basis for evaluation of the geological development and hydrocarbon potential of the region. After licensing rounds in 2007–2008 and 2010 considerable new geophysical and geological data were acquired in the region, and the extensive database now includes more than 100 000 km 2D seismic data and a number of wells (Fig. 1). The results of the work are summarised below and suggest deep basins and large ridges with complex structures.

Highlights

The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland has carried out a detailed mapping project in the eastern Baffin Bay region covering c. 200 000 km2 (Fig. 1)
During the Paleocene and Eocene, oceanic crust developed in central Baffin Bay and the Cretaceous rifted continental margin of West Greenland was separated from eastern Canada (Oakey & Chalmers 2012)
This paper describes some key results from the seismic interpretation and structural development

Summary

Geological setting

In areas along the West Greenland continental margin, a number of basins with Proterozoic, Cretaceous and Cenozoic sedimentary successions have been identified (e.g., Dawes 1997; Dam et al 2009; Rolle 1985). A number of rifted basins with large structural highs are interpreted to have developed in the east Baffin Bay region (Whittaker et al 1997; Gregersen et al 2013). During the Paleocene and Eocene, oceanic crust developed in central Baffin Bay and the Cretaceous rifted continental margin of West Greenland was separated from eastern Canada (Oakey & Chalmers 2012). TWT velocity zone from refraction seismic lines of Reid & Jackson (1997) They interpreted this zone to include Thule Supergroup sedimentary rocks, which crop out north of the study area (Dawes 1997). The upper part of mega-unit H below horizon H1 (Fig. 2) probably includes sedimentary rocks with some analogues to the Thule Supergroup.

Results

Proterozoic Archaean

Upernavik Basin UEpscearrnpamvikent