Geology, geophysics, and hydrocarbon potential of Antarctica continental margin of Weddell Sea

Conference · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6220842

Hinz, K; Kristoffersen, Y

A prominent escarpment, called the Explora-Andenes Escarpment, has been recognized between long. 40/sup 0/W, lat. 72/sup 0/40'S and long. 10/sup 0/W, lat. 69/sup 0/20'S. It separates the continental margin from the Weddell Sea basin. Their recent MCS data have revealed the presence of some remarkably symmetric structures beneath a thick pile of tectonically undisturbed sediments. For example, two extensive wedge-shaped basement units occur between 20/sup 0/W and 40/sup 0/W. These units are characterized by a pattern of divergent reflectors which surround an elongated depression in basement. The northern wedge terminates against the Explora-Andenes Escarpment between 25/sup 0/W and 30/sup 0/W. The southern wedge, known as the Explora Wedge, shows a northward-dipping reflection pattern. The seismic characteristics suggest that both wedges consist of volcanic rocks. The basement depression is interpreted as a failed rift basin. The initial fragmentation of Gondwana was accompanied by prolific volcanism, which led to the emplacement of the wedges of dipping reflectors. The tectonomagmatic/volcanic period was followed by transtensional movements between Africa and Antarctica. This phase was heralded by the formation of the Explora-Andenes Escarpment as a new plate boundary and the opening of the Weddell Sea by sea-floor spreading. The Explora-Andenes Escarpment cuts across the early rift structures.

• Research Organization: Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Hannover, West Germany
• OSTI ID: 6220842
• Report Number(s): CONF-870606-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 71:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
ANTARCTIC REGIONS
ANTARCTICA
EXPLORATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
MINERAL RESOURCES
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
POLAR REGIONS
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
RESOURCES
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SURVEYS
TECTONICS
VOLCANISM