--> Abstract: NAG-TEC: A New Tectonostratigraphic Atlas of the North Atlantic Region, by John Hopper; #90177 (2013)

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NAG-TEC: A New Tectonostratigraphic Atlas of the North Atlantic Region

John Hopper

The Northeast Atlantic Geoscience (NAG) cooperation framework was formed by the chief executives of the 9 northern European geological surveys with strong interest in the North Atlantic margins. In the spring of 2009, representatives of these surveys met to discuss an initiative centered around the tectonic development of the North Atlantic with particular emphasis on continental margin evolution and understanding deep water basins along the continental margins. From the outset, a key emphasis was to identify and compare key conjugate margin pairs to understand the full rift system across the entire North Atlantic basin. A number of problems were quickly identified, including: 1) there is currently no existing compilation of key geological and geophysical information over the whole region; 2) local nomenclature differences resulted in difficulties establishing regional correlations to identify commonalities and differences between areas; and 3) large areas with sparse data made it difficult to prioritise which data gaps were most important in terms of regional understanding. To address these problems, the group began to compile the data available and it became readily apparent that a new comprehensive and up-to-date Tectonostratigraphic Atlas of the Northeast Atlantic Region was necessary. The Atlas will de-risk frontier exploration areas and deep water basins by providing: 1)a quantitative analysis of key basin parameters; 2) regional correlations of key stratigraphic units and geologic formations; 3) an understanding of connectivity between known prospective areas and unexplored areas; 4) an understanding of the basin response to magmatic seafloor spreading; 5) more accurate reconstructions to better constrain sediment sources and sinks through time; 6) a comprehensive analysis of conjugate margin pairs. In compiling this Atlas, we will develop an understanding of the evolution of the Northeast Atlantic on a regional scale that will inform future research and exploration along its margins. Significantly, we will develop new models for the tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of the conjugate margin system for the first time. This will enable a better understanding of regional vs. local control on a variety of key parameters relevant to sedimentary basin evolution and petroleum exploration. The outcome of the project will form the essential knowledge base for setting regional exploration priorities for the next decade and beyond.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90177©3P Arctic, Polar Petroleum Potential Conference & Exhibition, Stavanger, Norway, October 15-18, 2013