Variscan structure and its influence on post-Carboniferous basin development, Western Approaches Basin, SW UK Continental Shelf
- 6 June 1992
- journal article
- Published by Geological Society of London in Journal of the Geological Society
- Vol. 149 (3) , 413-417
- https://doi.org/10.1144/gsjgs.149.3.0413
Abstract
Reflection seismic records from the Western Approaches Basin (SW UK Continental Shelf) reveal SSE-dipping reflection packages within the Variscan basement. These have been mapped and are believed to originate from Variscan thrusts. Orthogonal transfer faults are apparent as NNW-trending zones of discontinuity. Structural trends in the Permian-Mesozoic Western Approaches Basin parallel those of the underlying basement. An end-Variscan structural high in the northern part of the basin was progressively onlapped from the south during Permian times. This high may have been formed by thrust-driven tectonic thickening of the crust. During Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous times Variscan thrusts were reactivated in the western part of the basin (Melville Basin) to form a half-graben. However, in the east (St Mary's Basin), the basin is more symmetrical, and Mesozoic reactivation of Variscan thrusts cannot be unequivocally demonstrated.Keywords
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