Observations on the Margin Off Norway (66–70°N) and the History of Early Cenozoic Rifting

Abstract

The early history of rifting and subsequent formation of an ocean are reflected in the structural and depositional history of the passive continental margin. The margin off Norway between the Jan Mayen and Greenland-Senja fracture zones exhibits features that relate to the process of rifting. Among these are: marginal basement highs, escarpments, depth anomalies, prominent block faults and areas of opaque smooth basaltic basement. Recent investigations have also revealed areas of typical sub-basement reflectors. The margin is separated into two regions representing different styles of development. This is probably caused by the pre-rifting geological framework and the very early phase of sea floor spreading in the Norwegian Sea.