Palaeogeography and 3D variability of a dynamically uplifted shelf: Observations from seismic stratigraphy of the Palaeocene East Shetland Platform

• DOI: 10.1111/bre.12895
• Publication Date: 2024-08-28T07:47:05Z
• Authors: Lucas Albanese Va...; Tor Oftedal Sømme; Stefano Patruno; Cécile Robin; François Guillocheau; Christian Haug Eide
• Keywords: Shetland; Palaeogeography; Progradation; Diachronous

Abstract In the Palaeocene North Sea, pulses in turbidite fan deposition and shelfal progradation have been correlated with episodes of regional uplift caused by a precursor Icelandic Plume. East Shetland Platform, specific impacts dynamic on palaeogeographic evolution are less understood. Using new, high‐resolution 3D seismic data from an underexplored proximal area, we investigate palaeogeography Platform terms extent timing erosion versus deposition, focusing how these can be used to reconstruct changes relative sea‐level along strike. combination well data, clinoform‐based stratigraphy attribute analysis >60,000 km 2 obtained maps multiple Early Eocene units, high temporal resolution for Late Palaeocene–Early Moray Group. This includes six unconformity‐bounded units marked prograding clinoforms Dornoch Formation, which covered backstepping sequences Beauly Member (Balder Formation). Temporal spatial distribution downdip depocentres updip unconformities indicate strong lateral variability patterns shelf accommodation/erosion local sediment supply. results complex interplay among laterally uneven fall, inherited topography, time‐varied entry point along‐shore transport regimes. Unconformities suggest first‐order control promoted transiently differentially uplifted topography Shetland, is characterized anomalous erosive history Bressay High, centre our study where Lower Formation has eroded fluvial incision observed. Ultimately, shorter‐wavelength shorter‐period variations than what typically assumed perhaps as result additional modulation lithospheric structures or influence previous rift‐related faults.