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Geodynamics and Basin Studies

Svalbard Palaeogene

Investigation of Palaeogene sandbody geometries in Spitsbergen's Central Basin using outcrop, seismic and LIDAR data

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The Palaeogene succession of Spitsbergen is well-known for its economic importance, with a long history of coal mining in Longyearbyen, Svea and Barentsburg. In addition, the succession bears important information on the tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of the Svalbard margin of Barents Sea Shelf and also on the rapid climatic changes at the Palaeocene-Eocene transition, possibly comparable to the present-day climate change. Moreover, the succession contains valuable onshore analogues for underground hydrocarbon reservoirs in offshore regions. Excellent outcrops in combination with well cores, LIDAR and seismic data render the study area particularly well-suited for both local and regional reconstruction of sandbodies and ancient landscapes.

 

Researchers working on this project:

William Helland-Hansen

Sten-Andreas Grundvåg