Examples of glacigenic sediments and erosional events on the Mid-Norwegian continental shelf

Abstract

This extended abstract describes the glacial history of the Norwegian offshore area between 65-66°N from the coast to the shelf edge. Attention is focused on the Skjoldryggen moraine, which is the most impressive end moraine on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (Holtedahl 1940; Holtedahl & Sellevoll 1972: Andersen 1975). The shelf is 250km wide in this area, and water depths vary from 90 m to 460 m. Topographical highs represent large bank areas and ridges. The eastern flank of the bank areas is bounded by longitudinal marginal channels that often mark the transition between Mesozoic sedimentary rocks and older crystalline rocks. The bank areas are separated by large transverse channels/depressions that can be followed to the shelf edge.