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NAERINGSPH-Nærings-phd

Cenozoic development of the continental margin off Lofoten-Vesterålen and Troms

Awarded: NOK 1.4 mill.

Project Manager:

Project Number:

205934

Project Period:

2010 - 2014

Funding received from:

-

The project is financed by Front Exploration and Norges Forskningsråd. The main objective of this research project is to achieve a better understanding of the Cenozoic development of the continental margin off Lofoten-Vesterålen and Troms. This includes t he study and elucidation of: 1) quantification of the erosion and uplift of the hinterland, 2) quantification of the sedimentation rates on the outer margin, 3) reconstruction of the late Cenozoic glacial history and 4) understanding of the pockmark distr ibution. The continental margin off Lofoten-Vesterålen and Troms (the Lovetro margin) has received relatively little attention from researchers of the Cenozoic geology. The Barents Sea to the north and the mid-Norwegian shelf to the south, on the other ha nd are studied in great detail with regard to the Cenozoic stratigraphy, sedimentary history, erosion/uplift history, and in particular the glacial history. Thus we will focus on this matters which are highly relevant for the petroleum industry. With rega rd to the Cenozoic erosion-uplift-sedimentation history of the Lovetro margin detailed seismostratigraphic studies will be carried out. The volumetric mass balance method will be applied to estimate the erosion of the margin. We also aim to elucidate from where, why, and how much sediments were eroded from the hinterland and deposited along the Lovetro margin. In addition will an enhanced understanding of the Cenozoic glacial history be vital for the assessment of the erosion-uplift-sedimentation history . 2D seismic surveys will be applied for the long-term development of the margin, while the bathymetric data will be used to elucidate the ice-sheet dynamics during the last glacial maximum and the deglaciation of the area. Distinct pockmark fields have previously been observed on the seafloor on the Lovetro margin. The pockmarks in the area will be studied in order to elucidate the origin and migration routes of the fluids.

Funding scheme:

NAERINGSPH-Nærings-phd