Tectonostratigraphic framework and depositional history of the Cretaceous - Danian succession of the Danish Central Graben (North Sea) - new light on a mature area

F. S. P. van Buchem, Florian Walther Harald Smit, G. J. A. Buijs, B. Trudgill, P.-H. Larsen

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    An integrated tectonic and sequence stratigraphic analysis of the Cretaceous and Danian of the Danish Central Graben has led to significant new insights critical for our understanding of the chalk facies as a unique cool-water carbonate system, as well as for the evaluation of its potential remaining economic significance.A major regional unconformity in the middle of the Upper Cretaceous chalk has been dated as being of early Campanian age. It separates two distinctly different basin types: a thermal contraction early post-rift basin (Valanginian-Santonian), which was succeeded by an inversion tectonics-affected basin (Campanian-Danian). The infill patterns for these two basin types are dramatically different as a result of the changing influence of the tectonic, palaeoceanographic and eustatic controlling factors.Several new insights are reported for the Lower Cretaceous: a new depositional model for chalk deposition along the basin margins on shallow shelves, which impacts reservoir quality trends; recognition of a late Aptian long-lasting sea-level lowstand (which hosts lowstand sandstone reservoirs in other parts of the North Sea Basin); and, finally, the observation that Barremian-Aptian sequences can be correlated from the Boreal to the Tethyan domain. In contrast, the Late Cretaceous sedimentation patterns have a strong synsedimentary local tectonic overprint (inversion) that influenced palaeoceanography through the intensification of bottom currents and, as a result, the depositional facies. In this context, four different chalk depositional systems are distinguished in the Chalk Group, with specific palaeogeography, depositional features and sediment composition.The first formalization of the lithostratigraphic subdivision of the Chalk Group in the Danish Central Graben is proposed, as well as an addition to the Cromer Knoll Group.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationPetroleum Geology of NW Europe: 50 Years of Learning : Proceedings of the 8th Petroleum Geology Conference
    Volume8
    PublisherGeological Society
    Publication date2018
    Edition1
    Pages9-46
    ISBN (Print)9781786202772
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018
    Event8th Petroleum Geology of Northwest Europe Conference - Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, United Kingdom
    Duration: 28 Sept 201530 Sept 2015
    Conference number: 8

    Conference

    Conference8th Petroleum Geology of Northwest Europe Conference
    Number8
    LocationQueen Elizabeth II Conference Centre
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CityLondon
    Period28/09/201530/09/2015
    SeriesPetroleum Geology Conference series

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