Nature of Palaeozoic extension in Lofoten, north Norwegian Continental Shelf: insights from 3‐D seismic analysis of a Cordilleran‐style metamorphic core complex

• Published in: Terra Nova
• Main Authors: Henstra, Gijs Allard, Rotevatn, Atle
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2014
• Subjects: Geology; Lofoten; Norway; Træna
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ter.12098; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fter.12098; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ter.12098

Abstract Analyses of 3‐D seismic data reveal that pre‐Triassic basins are present underneath the Mesozoic North Træna Basin (Lofoten Margin, Norway). These are linked to a Cordilleran‐style metamorphic core complex that developed in Palaeozoic times, including rotated fault blocks with hanging wall ‘growth’ wedges, bounded by listric faults that sole into a sub‐horizontal detachment. On the basis of similarity in age, structural style and transport direction, we propose a kinematic link with a Permian mylonitic detachment documented onshore. This study presents the first offshore evidence for Palaeozoic detachment faulting, elucidating the mechanisms behind the long‐lived exhumation history of the Lofoten basement.