Abstract
The Roer Valley Graben (southeastern Netherlands) forms the most northern branch of the European Cenozoic Rift System. Sedimentary backstripping of exploration wells provides control on vertical tectonic motions during the complex post-Paleozoic geodynamic evolution of the area. The Roer Valley Graben evolved by repeated reactivation of Permo-Carboniferous fracture systems. At least three episodes of extension-related subsidence are recorded. These occurred during the Late Permian-Early Triassic (> 255-240 Ma), the Middle Jurassic (168-165 Ma) and the late Cenozoic (36-0 Ma). A Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous stretching phase is weakly inferred from incomplete data. Crustal stretching values calculated from the tectonic subsidence curves can account for the reflection seismic controlled crustal configuration of the Roer Valley Graben area. Results demonstrate a close relationship between the Roer Valley Graben and the basins in the North Sea during the Mesozoic. In contrast, the Cenozoic evolution of the Roer Valley Graben is independent from that of the North Sea and is related to the development of the Rhine Graben.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
