A Quaternary aminostratigraphy constraining chronology of depositional environments in the North Sea Basin

作者：Reinardy Benedict T I^*; Sejrup Hans Petter; Hjelstuen Berit O; King Edward; Augedal Hans

来源：Marine Geology, 2018, 402: 139-152.

DOI：10.1016/j.margeo.2017.11.004

• Amino acid geochronology
• Strontium isotope chronology
• Glacial sediment
• Mid Pleistocene Transition
• North Sea Basin
• Reflection seismic
• Quaternary stratigraphy

The aminostratigraphy of up to 1000 m of glacial and interglacial sediments in the North Sea Basin (NSB) is compiled from multiple boreholes sites and dated using strontium isotope (Sr) analysis to provide a chronological framework extending throughout the Quaternary. The Quaternary aminostratigraphy within the NSB can be divided into five amino zones (AZ), AZ1 (youngest) to AZ5 based on alle/Ile ratios which are used to correlate depositional events recorded in sedimentary facies from multiple borehole sites. The new relative and absolute chronology also ties to seismostratigraphy and multi-generational tunnel valley fill. Early Pleistocene sediments produce AZ5 ratios with Sr ages around 1.4-1.5 Ma deposited in marine to glacimarine conditions. Sediments with AZ4 ratios are constrained by Sr ages and magnetic polarity to 1.3-0.9 Ma, spanning the eccentricity to axial tilt insolation periodicity change of the Mid Pleistocene Transition (MPT). Some coarsegrained sedimentary units with AZ4 ratios may be linked to ice proximal deposition during the MPT. Sediments with AZ3 ratios are poorly chronologically constrained to between 1.1 and 0.26 Ma. At least one episode of diminished coarse clasts and increased foraminiferal diversity during this Mid Pleistocene time suggests a progression from ice proximal to warmer, possibly interglacial conditions. Furthermore, the stratigraphically deepest generation of tunnel valleys cut strata with AZ3 ratios indicating subglacial conditions at least once during the Mid Pleistocene. Sediments with AZ2 ratios corresponding to MIS7-5 are tied to seismic units including a thick (up to 40 m) deformation till, suggesting glacial incursion into the NSB during MIS6 followed by tunnel valley cutting of the this till, thought to be an MIS6 event also. The geometry and cross-cutting complexities of such tunnel valleys precludes further correlation of this ice extent. The youngest aminostratigraphic zone, AZ1, is recognised in all boreholes and well constrained to MIS4-2 and the youngest set of tunnel valleys, attributed to a single or multiple glacial advances at this time.

• 出版日期2018-8-1