Publication Date:
2019-07-16
Description:
The interpretation of tectonic and sedimentary structures in the northern Chukchi
region, Arctic Ocean, is important to enhance our understanding of the tectonic evolution of
this region. Therefore, multichannel seismic lines as well as seismic wide-angle reflection
and refraction data were acquired in the northern Chukchi region during the RV Polarstern
ARK-XXIII/3 summer expedition in 2008. These data have been processed and interpreted
for the three main geological provinces (Chukchi Plateau, Chukchi Abyssal Plain, and
Mendeleev Ridge) to describe the sedimentary and basement structures of the northern
Chukchi region. Furthermore, using the age control of five exploration wells drilled near the
coast of Alaska in combination with additional seismic reflection lines located on the
Chukchi Shelf, we were able to date sediment horizons within the research area. In total, six
sediment horizons with ages between Barremian/Hauterivian and the Top Miocene were
identified. Especially, the Top Oligocene horizon forms a pronounce unconformity on the
Chukchi Plateau and on the Mendeleev Ridge flanks. The origin of this unconformity can be
associated with the opening of the Fram Strait indicating a significant change in the Arctic
Ocean current system.
Repository Name:
EPIC Alfred Wegener Institut
Type:
Article
,
isiRev
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