3D modelling and interpretation of channels in the Aspelintoppen Formation, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, a facies analysis

This master thesis project aims to create further detailed information of Aspelintoppen Formation, the youngest formation in the Central Tertiary Basin on Spitsbergen, Svalbard, a foreland basin created during the West Spitsbergen Orogeny. The formation is little understood so far, as underlying formations have been more accessible for investigation, and because of focus on hydrocarbon related issues related to these same formations. However, the underlying formations related to Aspelintoppen Formation (floodplain environment), i.e. Battfjellet (delta, shelf and slope environments) and Frysjaodden Formations (lower slope and deep sea environments), are all part of the same depositional system. Battfjellet and Frysjaodden Formations have so far been researched in depth, but much knowledge about the most proximal of the formations in this depositional system is lacking. This project has already collected important drone and helicopter imagery spread over large parts of Spitsbergen (from Van Keulenfjorden to Longyearbyen), which provides knowledge of the Aspelintoppen Formation's geometrical composition and spatial and time distribution, sedimentological information of facies and facies associations are missing. The work with rock cores provided by Store Norske of a daily fee of 1.500 NOK will surely provide this demand of sedimentological details needed to properly understand the composition, processes and overall contents of Aspelintoppen Formation.