Stratigraphic Model Research Articles

An integrated clinoform trajectory and sequence stratigraphic model for the Labrador margin, offshore eastern Canada

The passive margin offshore Labrador began forming during rifting in the Early Cretaceous, with seafloor spreading starting in the Maastrichtian and ending near the Eocene–Oligocene boundary. A foundational understanding of the associated stratigraphy of this margin has been developed through previous studies of the lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and seismic stratigraphy, but the significance of clinoforms, stratal boundaries, and transgressive and regressive events has never been fully explored. In this study, we identify a series of clinoform successions from the Late Cretaceous through Pleistocene and apply a second-order sequence stratigraphic model to refine the geological framework for the margin. We focus on the Hopedale Basin where there is sufficient well and reflection seismic data, with substantial new seismic data collected over the last decade. Seismic interpretation is combined with paleoenvironmental and biostratigraphic data from the wells to map clinothem packages along the margin including: seven shoreline, five subaqueous delta, one shelf-edge, and three shelf-edge deltas, with illustration of these on seismic profiles and paleogeographic maps representing several time slices. Trajectory analysis of these clinothems permits the delineation of eight second-order sequences, with systems tracts and sequence stratigraphic surfaces identified. Broader implications of our results include a revised lithostratigraphic column for the Labrador margin. We further demonstrate regional trends during rifting and opening in term of controlling factors on clinoform development through comparison with adjacent and conjugate margins. Tectonism dominated as a controlling factor in the Cretaceous and dwindled near the end of the Paleocene. Eustasy and climate also influenced clinoform development in the Late Cretaceous, but became major factors during the Cenozoic, enhancing relative sea level fall and sediment supply, with similarities to other clinoform successions developed during Greenhouse and Icehouse conditions. Impacts to petroleum prospectivity in the region are also discussed, and our overall seismic and stratigraphic framework provide a basis for future study.

Dolomitisation of carbonate platform margins by fault‐controlled geothermal convection: Insights from coupling stratigraphic and reactive transport models

AbstractReactive transport modelling is increasingly deployed to quantitatively evaluate conceptual models of diagenetic processes. However, construction of models of complex systems involves trade‐offs between accuracy and simplification. This tension is explored for models of fault‐associated dolomitisation by sea water convection in a syn‐rift carbonate platform, evaluating the contribution of incorporating stratigraphic growth and fault propagation. Simulations of the high heat flux southern margin of the Derbyshire Platform (Northern England), with heterogeneous matrix permeability that reflects the evolving stratal architecture and burial compaction focusses dolomitisation in more permeable units at all depths. A permeable platform margin fault zone enhances dolomitisation in a broad area on the upper slope and margin, and to a lesser but significant extent, across the interior as platform top waters are entrained and discharge via the fault. Stepwise simulation of flow and reactions during stratigraphic growth suggests that static models over‐predict dolomite abundance in younger sediments and show how regions optimally supplied with reactants and heat to drive dolomite formation migrate vertically and laterally during platform growth. Dolomitisation intensity increases with depth due to greater time for reactions and kinetically favourable temperatures. Adding the fault zone to this model focusses and accelerates flow, giving a more spatially restricted dolostone body and reducing dolomitisation temperature. Changes in fault connectivity with the surface of the evolving platform shift fluid flow pathways and change the rate and temperature of dolomite formation. Results concur with petrographic, isotopic and geochemical observations of the early dolomite on the Derbyshire Platform. This work demonstrates the importance of understanding diagenesis as the product of an evolving set of processes that respond to geological and palaeoenvironmental changes rather than as a sequence of individual diagenetic events. This is particularly critical for reactions, such as dolomitisation by geothermal convection of sea water, which occur over timescales synchronous with platform development.

Forward stratigraphic modelling to understand sedimentary system evolution

Forward stratigraphic modelling to understand sedimentary system evolution

Reconciling the onshore/offshore stratigraphy of the Canning Basin and implications for petroleum prospectivity

The Canning Basin is a prospective hydrocarbon frontier basin and is unusual for having limited offshore seismic and well data in comparison with its onshore extent. In this study, seismic mapping was conducted to better resolve the continuity of 13 key stratigraphic units from onshore to offshore to delineate prospective offshore hydrocarbon-bearing units, and better understand the distribution of mafic igneous units that can compartmentalise migration pathways and influence heat flow. The offshore Canning Basin strata are poorly constrained in six wells with limited seismic coverage; hence data availability was bolstered by integrating data from the onshore portion of the basin and adjacent basins into a single 3D seismic stratigraphic model. This model integrates over 10 000 km of historical 2D seismic data and 23 exploration wells to allow mapping of key stratal surfaces. Mapped seismic horizons were used to construct isochores and regional cross-sections. Seven of the 13 units were mapped offshore for the first time, revealing that the onshore and offshore stratigraphy are similar, albeit with some minor differences, and mafic igneous units are more interconnected than previously documented whereby they may constitute a mafic magmatic province. These basin-scale maps provide a framework for future research and resource exploration in the Canning Basin. To better understand the basin’s geological evolution, tectonic history and petroleum prospectivity, additional well data are needed in the offshore Canning Basin where Ordovician strata have yet to be sampled.

Investigation on the Stratigraphic Response and Plugging Effect Induced by Press-In Open Caisson in Mucky Soil

Press-in open caisson method, which sinks into soil with the aid of mechanical pressure without excavation, is becoming an important method of construction in extremely soft foundations. However, many engineering problems are prone to occur in the construction of caissons, such as sinking and large deformation. In this study, the stratigraphic response model, such as soil migration during the press-in process of open caisson, is focused on. Through model tests of soil and caissons, the migration patterns of each part of the soil were carried out, and the mechanism underlying the stratigraphic response pattern was investigated. The three primary conclusions are as follows: 1) The bottom edge foot of caisson produces lateral extrusion on surrounding soil in the range of 10 cm (20%H) below, resulting in lateral movement of soil. 2) two kinds of plug, i.e., “wedged” and “unwedged” plugs exist, and the driven forces for the soil migration can be divided into three stages, i.e., caused by soil plug with active arch, by soil plug with passive arch and caused by soil squeezing effect. 3) there is a significant linear correlation between the soil plug changes, the horizontal movement of the deep soil body, and the displacement of the surface uplift. The soil plugging effect and squeezing effect are interacted and enhanced with each other. This study provides a new understanding of the stratigraphic response in the construction of press-in open caissons, and guides safety control of open caissons construction.

3D basin and petroleum system modelling of the early cretaceous play in the NW Persian Gulf

Petroleum systems analysis has become a key part of hydrocarbon resource exploration. Early Cretaceous petroleum system in the northwest of the Persian Gulf basin with prolific source rocks and reservoirs, is the main petroleum system in the region. Most Iranian offshore oils have been stored in this geological interval. Recent studies indicate that finding new resources is still possible. Therefore, for the first time, this study applied a 3D petroleum system modeling approach to predict new prospects based on available seismic and well data in ∼30,000 km2 area. Results showed that the Berriasian Garau, Albian Kazhdumi and Barremian upper Gadvan are the dominant source rocks. Most of the hydrocarbons have originated from the two Binak and Northern troughs as oil kitchens in the northern and northwest areas. Most anticlines formed in the Late Cretaceous before the critical moment of the source rocks. At first, traps adjacent to the Binak and Northern troughs oil kitchens were charged. Then, hydrocarbon migrated laterally to the far structures. The activity of normal faults has played an important role in vertical migration and reservoir oil mixing, especially in oilfields located above the Khafji-Norooz Arch. Albian Burgan sandstone distribution map from process-based forward stratigraphic modeling suggests low probability of stratigraphic traps. Nonetheless, the Burgan anticline reservoirs have the highest oil in place because they have broad drainage area. Finally, three new anticlinal traps with significant oil reserves were identified in the Yamama, Burgan, and Khalij formations in the northwest of the study area. Results of this study help to better understand Early Cretaceous petroleum system performance and identify new hydrocarbon prospects in the study area.

The geological composition of rifts in Sudan as related to oil and gas content

Gradual increase in hydrocarbon production by the Saudi Arabia, Russia and the USA has led to the fact that today their share in the global production volume is about 42%, according to British Petroleum. At the same time, the market volume for small players, focused primarily on domestic demand and meeting the needs of their nearest neighbors, is falling proportionally. A striking example of this trend is the Republic of Sudan, on whose territory a small number of oil and gas fields are being developed, characterized by a very complex structure associated with rift sedimentary basins, which began to be studied in detail only a few years ago. The first comprehensive regional geological work began only at the end of 1974. As of today, all discovered oil reservoirs are located within rift zones, and the most promising one is the Muglad Basin, which contains eleven discovered oil fields connected with the terrigenous deposits of Upper Cretaceous and Miocene. Based on the study of seismic and core data, sequence stratigraphic and sedimentological models were built of the main depositional structures of the Muglad Basin, the potential was evaluated of the discovery of new hydrocarbon deposits. Keywords: rift valley; fields sedimentary complexes; Muglad Basin; Sudan; sequence stratigraphy.

Sequence stratigraphic modeling and organic matter distribution of Jurassic deposits in the Imhotep Field, Matruh Basin, Western Desert, Egypt

Sequence stratigraphic modeling and organic matter distribution of Jurassic deposits in the Imhotep Field, Matruh Basin, Western Desert, Egypt

Mid-Ordovician stratigraphy and volcanism in the Hølonda area, Scandinavian Caledonides: complex tectonomagmatic development following arc–continent collision near the Laurentian margin of Iapetus

The Hølonda area of the central Scandinavian Caledonides is a key for models of the Caledonian orogen owing to its Ordovician fauna of Laurentian affinity, now stranded on the Baltic side during opening of the North Atlantic. Here, we present a revised stratigraphic and tectonomagmatic model based on remapping, sedimentology, igneous geochemistry, Nd and Sr isotopes and geochronology. The Hølonda Group ( c. 470–461 Ma) reflects a transition from subaerial and shallow-marine deposition on a continental shelf to deeper-water sedimentation along a subsiding slope. Adakitic and mid-ocean ridge basalt type magmatism at c. 468 Ma was succeeded by benmoreitic–rhyolitic, shoshonitic, calc-alkaline and ultra-alkaline volcanism at c. 467–465 Ma. The complex magmatism followed arc–continent collision along a microcontinent outboard of Laurentia, associated with subduction polarity flip and slab rollback. This led to rifting and opening of a wide basin and its adjoining shelf on thickened orogenic lithosphere. Associated mantle upwelling and partial melting of depleted and variably metasomatized mantle occurred in a tectonomagmatic setting comparable with that of the central Mediterranean. The Hølonda–Ilfjellet setting is unique along the Caledonian–Appalachian orogen, possibly reflecting interaction with Laurentia-derived continental terranes at the northeastern end of the Taconian–Grampian orogenic tract. Supplementary material: Analytical data and supplementary figures are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6368922 Thematic collection: This article is part of the Caledonian Wilson cycle collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/the-caledonian-wilson-cycle

Longitudinal Seismic Analysis of Tunnels with Nonuniform Strata Considering the Effect of Karst

The longitudinal direction of shield tunnels is prone to seismic damage due to excessive deformation under seismic action, especially in nonuniform stratum. In this paper, the longitudinal dynamic response of the tunnel under different seismic effects is calculated based on the longitudinal equivalent stiffness model using the stratigraphic load model, and the seismic indexes such as longitudinal corner, tube sheet and joint bolt stresses are verified. The calculation results show that the longitudinal seismic weakness of the shield tunnel is in the interface between soft and hard strata and karst development. The longitudinal axial force of the structure is larger during the longitudinal excitation of seismic waves, and the maximum bending moment is mainly in the vertical plane, i.e., the vertical bending moment. The axial force of the tunnel is smaller during the transverse excitation of seismic waves. The maximum bending moment is mainly the bending moment in the horizontal plane, i.e., the transverse moment. The South Lake section of the Two Lakes Tunnel has good seismic performance in the event of a rare earthquake with a 50-year exceedance probability of 2%. The investigation can guide the seismic design of the South Lake section of the Two Lakes Tunnel.

Controls of accommodation to sediment-supply ratio on sedimentary architecture of continental fluvial successions

The applicability of sequence stratigraphic models to continental fluvial successions has long been topic for debate. To improve our understanding of how fluvial architectures record responses to changes in the ratio between accommodation rate and sediment-supply rate (A/S), two case studies are analyzed, including a densely drilled subsurface fluvial reservoir imaged with a seismic cube, and an outcropping fluvial succession. The subsurface dataset provides a larger, three-dimensional perspective, whereas the outcrop dataset enables observation at higher resolution. On the basis of both datasets, channel-body density, channel-body stacking patterns and their formative river types are interpreted at different scales, and how these may reflect responses to A/S change (the rate of accommodation creation relative to the rate of sediment supply) are discussed. The results indicate that (i) channel-body stacking patterns undergo four evolutionary stages along with the A/S increase, i.e., multi-story, mixed multi- and two-story, two-story, and isolated patterns; (ii) channel-body density decreases along with the channel-body stacking patterns varying from multi-story to isolated; (iii) formative rivers types are interpreted as evolving from braided planforms to braided-meandering planforms and then to meandering ones, with the increase of A/S.

Using Multiple Geophysical Methods to Refine a Stratigraphic Conceptual Site Model at a Nuclear Waste Site

Using Multiple Geophysical Methods to Refine a Stratigraphic Conceptual Site Model at a Nuclear Waste Site

An Uncertainty-driven Peak-integration (UP) Strategy for 3D Borehole Layout Planning

Equal-spaced borehole drilling is commonly adopted in practice for site investigation, which ignores spatial uncertainty and might result in insufficient site characterization. Model-driven precise drilling is regarded as a potential solution. In this study, an uncertainty-driven peak-integration (UP) strategy is proposed to improve decision-making in 3D borehole planning. The UP strategy consists of stratigraphic uncertainty modelling and peak-integration method. The random field-based uncertainty modelling approach has been improved by employing stratum-informed Scales of Fluctuation and a novel site division method to capture the site-specific uncertainty distribution with sufficient interpretation. The peak-integration method is proposed to consider the uncertainty around peaks, as improvement of existing peak uncertainty-based borehole planning strategy. To provide an objective evaluation for borehole layout planning, a new index “Contribution of Borehole” (CoB) is proposed for the first time, using the Earth Mover’s Distance, to quantify the net changes of stratigraphic distribution revealed by additional boreholes and offer validation for every decision-making. The feasibility and practicability of the proposed strategy are demonstrated by applying to an artificial geological model created based on real borehole data. The superiority of the proposed strategy is elucidated by comparing with equal-spaced strategy, via both CoB and conventional entropy reduction with detailed discussion.

Integration of Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis and 3D Geostatistical Modeling of Pliocene–Pleistocene Delta, F3 Block, Netherlands

AbstractThis research is focused on the analysis of the sequence stratigraphic units of F3 Block, within a wave‐dominated delta of Plio–Pleistocene age. Three wells of F3 block and a 3D seismic data, are utilized in this research. The conventional techniques of 3D seismic interpretation were utilized to mark the 11 surfaces on the seismic section. Integration of seismic sequence stratigraphic interpretation, using well logs, and subsequent 3D geostatistical modeling, using seismic data, aided to evaluate the shallow hydrocarbon traps. The resulting models were obtained using System Tract and Facies models, which were generated by using sequential stimulation method and their variograms made by spherical method, moreover, these models are validated via histograms. The CDF curve generated from upscaling of well logs using geometric method, shows a good relation with less percentage of errors (1 to 2 for Facies and 3 to 4 for System Tract models) between upscaled and raw data that complements the resulted models. These approaches help us to delineate the best possible reservoir, lateral extent of system tracts (LST and/or HST) in the respective surface, and distribution of sand and shale in the delta. The clinoform break points alteration observed on seismic sections, also validates the sequence stratigraphic interpretation. The GR log‐based Facies model and sequence stratigraphy‐based System Tract model of SU‐04‐2 showed the reservoir characteristics, presence of sand bodies and majorly LST, respectively, mainly adjacent to the main fault of the studied area. Moreover, on the seismic section, SU‐04‐2 exhibits the presence of gas pockets at the same location that also complements the generated Facies and System Tract models. The generated models can be utilized for any similar kind of study and for the further research in the F3 block reservoir characterization.

Improving off-structure carbonate reservoir characterization using integrated Shared Earth Approach and Forward Stratigraphic Modelling: The Marrat Fm of southern Kuwait

A high-resolution reservoir characterization workflow is applied to assess the off-structure prospectivity of Lower Jurassic complex carbonate reservoirs of the Marrat Formation in the southern part of The State of Kuwait along the Dharif-Abduliyah fields. A detailed sedimentological and petrophysical assessment was integrated with 3D seismic interpretation and delineated vertical and lateral facies changes within the fields, which are affected by sets of complex fault patterns. Carbonate geo-bodies have been mapped using seismic stratigraphy, and 3D multi-seismic attribute and seismic acoustic inversion workflows. The Middle Marrat has been subdivided into 5 units (Middle Marrat 1-MM1 to Middle Marrat 5-MM5) that show vertical and lateral lithological and facies variability. The developed integrated sequence stratigraphic framework permitted to better assess the influence of accommodation variations as well as carbonate ecological settings on sedimentary facies development. This framework pointed to the influence of marine incursions and subsequent flooding surfaces, on the development of wackestone to mudstone textures interbedded within porous grainier inner ramp/shoal reservoir intervals. This integrated Shared Earth Approach that combined the various multi-disciplinary and multi-scale results was supported for the first-time by high resolution Forward Stratigraphic Modelling to provide a mapping and identification of petroleum systems elements including potential reservoir locations and baffles as well as stratigraphic trapping mechanisms. This workflow opens a new perspective to increasing hydrocarbon reserves along the Dharif and Abduliyah Fields as well as many other fields along the State of Kuwait.

Competition of deltaic feeder systems reflected by slope progradation: a high-resolution example from the Late Miocene-Pliocene, Drava Basin, Croatia

The thick Lake Pannon sedimentary record provides insights into the downdip and lateral development of stratigraphic surfaces through the analysis of the basin-scale clinoform progradation. The clinoform architecture from the eastern part of the Drava Basin (Pannonian Basin System) was interpreted to reflect the base-level changes. A major downlap surface interpreted as a flooding event followed by rejuvenation of slope progradation was recognized on 2D seismic sections. Detailed 3D seismic interpretation combined with well data revealed that the large sigmoidal and the overlying small oblique clinoform sets that downlap the large one only apparently produce the geometry of a maximum flooding surface. Instead, the 3D mapping revealed the influence of two competing slope systems arriving from the north and northwest. Lateral switching of sediment input, similar to many recent deltaic systems. e.g., Danube and Po rivers led to the variability of stratigraphic surfaces, lithology, and thickness, which resulted in non-uniform shelf-edge migration. These observations were supported by forward stratigraphic modeling simulating different scenarios, which led to the generation of the depositional architecture with an apparent maximum flooding surface. This study also implies the potential pitfalls in basin analysis based only on scarce 2D seismic and emphasizes the role of lateral variations in sediment input controlling the depositional architecture.

Modelling parametric uncertainty in large-scale stratigraphic simulations

We combine forward stratigraphic models with a suite of uncertainty quantification and stochastic model calibration algorithms for the characterization of sedimentary successions in large scale systems. The analysis focuses on the information value provided by a probabilistic approach in the modelling of large-scale sedimentary basins. Stratigraphic forward models (SFMs) require a large number of input parameters usually affected by uncertainty. Thus, model calibration requires considerable time both in terms of human and computational resources, an issue currently limiting the applications of SFMs. Our work tackles this issue through the combination of sensitivity analysis, model reduction techniques and machine learning-based optimization algorithms. We first employ a two-step parameter screening procedure to identify relevant parameters and their assumed probability distributions. After selecting a restricted set of important parameters these are calibrated against available information, i.e., the depth of interpreted stratigraphic surfaces. Because of the large costs associated with SFM simulations, probability distributions of model parameters and outputs are obtained through a data driven reduced complexity model. Our study demonstrates the numerical approaches by considering a portion of the Porcupine Basin, Ireland. Results of the analysis are postprocessed to assess (i) the uncertainty and practical identifiability of model parameters given a set of observations, (ii) spatial distribution of lithologies. We analyse here the occurrences of sand bodies pinching against the continental slope, these systems likely resulting from gravity driven processes in deep sea environment.

Sequence stratigraphy of the Paleocene succession in the Kharga Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt: insights from microplankton biostratigraphy and benthic foraminifer paleoenvironments

The present work provides a comprehensive stratigraphic consideration for the Paleocene (Danian–early Thanetian) succession in the Gebel El-Teir section, Kharga Oasis, Western Desert. The study incorporates calcareous nannofossils, foraminifers (planktic and benthic), and microfacies analyses to deduce fluctuations in the relative sea level and construct a sequence stratigraphic framework. In terms of the microplankton biostratigraphy, five planktic foraminifer (P2, P3a, P4a, P4b, and P4c) and four calcareous nannofossil (NP4–NP6 and NP8) zones have been recognized. Moreover, three biostratigraphic hiatuses were recognized based on the integration between the calcareous nannofossil and planktic foraminifer bioevents. These hiatuses aided in subdividing the studied interval into four 3rd order depositional sequences (D-DS1, S-DS2, S/Th-DS3, and Th-DS4). The paleo-water-depth variations deduced from the foraminiferal and sedimentological proxies facilitate the establishment of a relative sea-level curve and, subsequently, the systems tracts of each depositional sequence were readily recognized. The shallowest water conditions (middle neritic setting) occurred during the deposition of the Danian interval. However, a much deeper paleoenvironment (deep outer neritic-upper bathyal settings) marks the Selandian/Thanetian (S/Th) transition interval. The proposed sequence stratigraphic model and the presence of some extended hiatuses attribute the primary cause for accommodation destruction/creation to the regional tectonic uplift/subsidence. However, once the basin had been formed, the relative sea level within the individual depositional sequence behaved in a manner consistent with the contemporaneous eustatic 3rd-order transgression and regression events.

Development of training image database for subsurface stratigraphy

ABSTRACT Image-based stochastic simulation methods, such as multiple point statistics (MPS), can be viewed as a physics-informed Bayesian learning approach, which samples typical stratigraphic patterns from a single training image for onward conditional modelling of subsurface stratigraphy. A training image is essentially a prior geological model, which comprises representative stratigraphic connectivity at the site of interest. One key difficulty hindering wide application of image-based geological modelling methods is the lack of qualified training images. In this study, a systematic framework is proposed to develop training image databases for conditional simulations of subsurface stratigraphy. Collected training images can be further categorised based on three key factors, namely, geological origin, site location and application scenario. As a pilot study, a total of 54 geological cross-sections, mainly interpreted by experienced engineering practitioners, for weathered granite and tuff slopes in Hong Kong are collected and compiled as two training image databases. To demonstrate value and application of the established training image databases, subsurface stratigraphy for real weathered granite slope examples are used as illustrative examples, and stratigraphic uncertainty is also quantified. Results indicate that training image databases are of great significance for subsurface stratigraphy and uncertainty quantification, particularly when only limited site-specific data are available.

Quantification and Restoration of the Pre‐Drift Extension Across the NE Atlantic Conjugate Margins During the Mid‐Permian‐Early Cenozoic Multi‐Rifting Phases

AbstractThe formation of the NE Atlantic conjugate margins is the result of multiple rifting phases spanning from the Late Paleozoic and culminating in the early Eocene when breakup was accompanied with intense magmatic activity. The pre‐breakup configuration of the NE Atlantic continental margins is controlled by crustal extension, magmatism, and sub‐lithospheric processes, all of which need to be quantified for the pre‐breakup architecture to be restored. Key parameters that need to be extracted from the analysis of crustal structures and sediment record include stretching factors, timing of rifting phases, and nature of the deep crustal structures. The aim of this study is to quantify the pre‐drift extension of the NE Atlantic conjugate margins using interpreted crustal structure and forward basin modeling. We use a set of eight 2D conjugate crustal transects and corresponding stratigraphic models, constrained from an integrated analysis of 2D and 3D seismic and well data. The geometry and thickness of the present‐day crust is compared to a reference thickness which has experienced limited or no crustal extension since Permian time allowing the quantification of crustal stretching. Based on the eight conjugate crustal transects, the total pre‐drift extension is estimated to range between 181 and 390 km with an average of 270–295 km. These estimates are supported by the results of forward basin modeling, which predict total extension between 173 and 325 km, averaging 264 km. The cumulative pre‐drift extension estimates derived from basin modeling are in turn used to calculate the incremental crustal stretching factors at each of the three main rifting phases between the conjugate Greenland‐Norwegian margins. The mid‐Permian early Triassic rifting phase represents 32% of the total extension, while the equivalent values are 41% for the mid‐Jurassic to mid‐Cretaceous and 27% for the Late Cretaceous‐Paleocene rifting phases. These values are used to establish and present at first, a full‐fit palinspastic plate kinematic model for the NE Atlantic since the mid‐Permian and will be the base for future work on more elaborated models in order to build accurate paleogeographic and tectonic maps.