Complex past ice flow from Norway to the North Sea Plateau during the Quaternary: evidence from Marstein Trough and earlier reconstructions using 3D seismic data sets

• DOI: 10.1111/bor.70007
• Publication Date: 2025-04-23T05:34:41Z
• Authors: Dag Ottesen; James D. Kirkham; Julian A. Dowdeswell; Harald Brunstad; Morten Halvorsen
• Keywords: Trough (economics)

Based on a regional 3D seismic data set and small high‐resolution (~40 km 2 ) we have mapped buried glacially eroded trough the North Sea Plateau, west of Norwegian Channel (latitude 59°N, longitude 3°E). The trough, which informally name Marstein Trough, is 60 long, 30 wide, 120 m deep, trends NE–SW. Trough contains an extensive pattern glacial lineations at its base, follow axis, infilled by two units interpreted as tills. From stratigraphical position, infer that was ice stream flowed from western Norway crossed in southwesterly direction, probably during penultimate, Saalian glaciation. diagnostic landforms, provide detailed evidence complex, switching flow across Quaternary. Westward took place early Scandinavian Ice‐Sheet build‐up prior to activation Ice Stream. In contrast, ice‐flow patterns full‐glacial conditions caused reorientate S–N direction when Stream with huge catchment included Baltic established. Our results highlight complex experienced over this region Sea, implications for reconstructions Quaternary history, modern renewable energy infrastructure installation, processes phase sheets.