Tectonic implications of canyon directions over the Northeast Atlantic Continental Margin

Abstract

The basis of this study is a new bathymetric map of the northeast Atlantic compiled from previously published maps made from conventional echosounder data, plus all Sea Beam data acquired on board the R/V JEAN CHARCOT since 1977. As most of the Sea Beam data have been obtained on the continental margin from Porcupine Seabight to the south of the Iberian Peninsula, a precise picture of the continental slope is given. A statistical analysis of the canyons, based on 750 measurements, reveals that many of the canyons present sharp changes in their direction, indicating a structural control mainly linked to the late Hercynian trends, especially around the Iberian Peninsula. Nevertheless, the paths of canyons may merely reflect recent gravity processes, as in the Porcupine Seabight. Canyons locally follow the directions of listric and associated transecting faults (Permian to Triassic and upper Jurassic to lower Cretaceous), as on the Celtic margin, and every type of tectonic lineament—for example, the North Pyrenean Paleogene thrust front which fringes the Gouf of Cap Breton. A comparison of diagrams for the northern and southern Bay of Biscay margin (especially trends predating the opening) is compatible with a 25° rotation of Iberia with respect to Europe.