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Møre Margin: Crustal structure from analysis of Expanded Spread Profiles

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Abstract

Analysis in both the x—t and τ—p domains of high-quality Expanded Spread Profiles across the Møre Margin show that many arrivals may be enhanced be selective ray tracing and velocity filtering combined with conventional data reduction techniques. In terms of crustal structure the margin can be divided into four main areas: 1) a thicker than normal oceanic crust in the eastern Norway Basin; 2) expanded crust with a Moho depth of 22 km beneath the huge extrusive complex constructed during early Tertiary breakup; 3) the Møre Basin where up to 13–14 km of sediments overlie a strongly extended outer part with a Moho depth at 20 km west of the Ona High; and 4) a region with a 25–27 km Moho depth between the high and the Norwegian coast. The velocity data restricts the continent-ocean boundary to a 15–30 km wide zone beneath the seaward dipping reflector wedges. The crust west of the landward edge of the inner flow is classified as transitional. This region as well as the adjacent oceanic crust is soled by a 7.2–7.4 km s−1 lower crustal body which may extend beneath the entire region that experienced early Tertiary crustal extension. At the landward end of the transect a 8.5 km s−1 layer near the base of the crust is recognized. A possible relationship with large positive gravity anomalies and early Tertiary alkaline intrusions is noted.

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Author notes

  1. Ingi Olafsson

    Present address: National Energy Authority, Grensásvegi 9, 108, Reykjavik, Iceland

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Seismological Observatory, University of Bergen, Allegt. 41, N-5007, Bergen, Norway

    Ingi Olafsson & Eirik Sundvor

  2. Department of Geology, University of Oslo, Pb. 1047, 0316, Blindern, Oslo, Norway

    Olav Eldholm & Kjersti Grue

  3. Norsk Hydro, Pb. 200, N-1321, Stabekk, Norway

    Kjersti Grue

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  1. Ingi Olafsson
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  3. Olav Eldholm
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  4. Kjersti Grue
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Olafsson, I., Sundvor, E., Eldholm, O. et al. Møre Margin: Crustal structure from analysis of Expanded Spread Profiles. Mar Geophys Res 14, 137–162 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01204284

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