TECTONOSTRATIGRAPHIC EVOLUTION OF THE BARENTS SEA SHELF: LESSONS FROM THE APPALACHIAN BASIN

This study uses the Appalachian system of basins and platforms as a tectonostratigraphic analogue to better understand the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Barents Sea shelf (BSS) in terms of compressional tectonics. Like the Appalachian case, the BSS stratigraphic succession can be explained in terms of foreland, bulge, and intracratonic tectonic domains, controlled by flexural deformational loading during orogenies. In the Appalachian situation, these orogenic processes are reflected in a “tectophase” sequence, manifest as an unconformity-bound stratigraphic succession composed of organic-rich, flysch-like, and molasse-like sediments. These successions can then be used as tectonostratigraphic tools to interpret the origin of stratigraphic successions on local to regional scales, providing effective ties between stratigraphy and orogenesis. Using analogues like this from the Appalachian system of basins and platforms, it is possible to interpret the thick Permian-Middle Jurassic BSS section as the product of three tectophases related to Uralian tectonics. The study illustrates the importance of using analogues to resolve complex stratigraphic issues in frontier areas.