Open Research Europe (Nov 2023)
Implications of Timanian thrust systems in the Barents Sea and Svalbard on using paleontological constraints for plate tectonics reconstructions [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]
Abstract
Background The Svalbard Archipelago is commonly believed to have been located at comparable latitude and, possibly, to have been attached to Laurentia in the early Paleozoic (500–420 Ma) based on trilobite assemblage similarities. Trilobite assemblage differences and lack of mixing between Laurentia–Svalbard and Baltica were further used to propose that these continents were separated by the Iapetus Ocean at that time. However, recent structural correlation of Timanian (650–550 Ma) thrust systems throughout the Barents Sea show that Svalbard was already attached to Baltica in the latest Neoproterozoic and remained so during the Phanerozoic. Methods The present study presents a new interpretation of seismic reflection data from the DISKOS database, which were tied to nearby exploration wells. The study uses recently acquired knowledge of the seismic facies of intensely deformed pre-Caledonian rocks and principles of sequence stratigraphy to interpret the data. Results The present study reconciles the proximity of Svalbard and Laurentia with the early accretion of Svalbard to Baltica in the latest Neoproterozoic. It also describes the influence of Timanian thrust systems on paleoenvironments and possible effects on trilobite assemblages, e.g., the lack of mixing between those of Laurentia–Svalbard and Baltica. Conclusions The results suggest that paleontological constraints are robust markers to discuss continent amalgamation but should be considered with greater care when discussing continent separation since other factors, such as major thrust systems, may create major, linear, topographical boundaries, which may act as major faunal barriers within a single tectonic plate. Other factors to consider include paleoclimatic belts.
