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Structural evolution of a frontal ramp section of the West Spitsbergen, Tertiary fold and thrust belt, north of Isfjorden, Spitsbergen

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

Ole Petter Wennberg ,
Arild Andresen ,
Sigurd Hansen  and
Steffen G. Bergh
Ole Petter Wennberg
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Oslo, Postbox 1047, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
Arild Andresen
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Oslo, Postbox 1047, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
Sigurd Hansen
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Tromsø, Norway
Steffen G. Bergh
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Tromsø, Norway
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Abstract

The geometry and kinematic evolution of a frontal ramp section associated with the Tertiary West Spitsbergen Orogenic Belt has been investigated in a small area (Lappdalen) north of Isfjorden. The previously recognized thrust front corresponds to a complex step or ramp in the position of the sole-thrust in the area. The sole-thrust is localized to the evaporites of the Permian Gipshuken Formation to the west of the footwall ramp, whereas to the east it continues as a bedding-parallel thrust in Triassic shales (Sassendalen Group). The area to the west of the footwall ramp is characterized by large scale thrusts and folds involving the Permian Gipshuken and Kapp Starostin formations and the lower part of the Triassic Sassendalen Group. East of the footwall ramp both Permian and Triassic strata are sub-horizontal and apparently undeformed. Three major thrust sheets are recognized. Based on the geometric relationship between folds and faults in the area, both fault-bend and fault-propogation mechanisms of folding are inferred. Restoration of the Kapp Starostin Formation to its pre-deformational state indicates a minimum of 35% shortening. Structural observations within the Sassendalen Group in the study area and on Dickson Land suggest that some of this shortening is transmitted eastwards along one or more bedding parallel thrusts in the Sassendalen Group.

Type
Articles
Information
Geological Magazine , Volume 131 , Issue 1 , January 1994 , pp. 67 - 80
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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