Architecture and tectonostratigraphic development of the Late Carboniferous paleokarst systems, Billefjorden Trough, Svalbard

The extensive paleokarst systems within the Billefjorden Trough are preserved as horizontal stratiform breccias and vertical breccia pipes developed along uplifted fault blocks. The carbonate breccias occur in the late syn-rift and early post-rift deposits, particularly within the Minkinfjellet Formation and basal parts of the Wordiekammen Formation. The interplay between tectonics, climate, and sea level variations gave origin to several karstification pulses including unique gypsum solution-collapse breccias. This project aims to interpret the development of the paleokarst using sedimentological, structural, and photogrammetric data collected in the field.