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National Science Foundation Award #9022689

Origin and Deformation of the Forlandsundet Basin, Spitsergen: Tertiary Plate-Margin Dynamics in the Arctic Region

 
Investigator(s): Karen Kleinspehn (PI) ; Christian Teyssier (Co-PI)
Sponsor: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, MN 55455 6126245599
Start Date/Expiration Date 1991-07-15 to 1995-08-31 (amended 1995-04-14)
Awarded Amount to Date: $78,085
Abstract: This study will evaluate the deformational history of the Tertiary Forlandsundet basin of western Spitsbergen and will relate the deformational sequence to basin evolution and plate dynamics along the Tertiary transform plate margin as it evolved to the modern spreading margin between Svalbard and Greenland. Preliminary field work in the basin suggests multiphase deformation including strike-slip and thrust components. In addition, sandstone and conglomerate samples display signs of ductile deformation with recrystallization of mica grains and development of penetrative foliation. Earlier field work also emphasizes the need to resolve the timing of the deformational episodes. Investigators will use macrostructural mapping, paleostress analysis, microstructural study, and 40Ar/39Ar dating to test working hypotheses for the tectonic evolution of the basin. A multiphase deformational history is certain, and the goal of this study is to decipher the kinematic history of the basin and relate that history to the evolution of the Tertiary margin and the opening of the Norwegian-Greenland Sea.
NSF Org: OPP - Office of Polar Programs
Award Number: 9022689
Award Instrument: Continuing grant
Program Manager: Scott Borg
OPP Office of Polar Programs
O/D OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
NSF Program(s): ARCTIC NATURAL SCIENCES, ARCTIC NATURAL SCIENCES
Field Application(s): Geological Sciences, Polar Programs-Related
Program Element Code(s): 5280
, 5280