3D seismic imaging of a Tertiary Dyke Swarm in the Southern North Sea,UK |
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| Authors: | Mostyn Wall Joe Cartwright Richard Davies Andrew McGrandle |
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| Institution: | 1. 3DLab, School of Earth, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3YE, UK;2. CeREES, (Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems) Department of Earth Sciences, University of Durham, Science Labs, Durham DH1 3LE, UK;3. Ark Geophysics, 1 Mercers Manor Barns, Sherington, Newport Pagnell MK16 9PU, UK |
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| Abstract: | We use three‐dimensional (3D) seismic reflection and magnetic data to interpret and describe the 3D geometry of igneous dykes in the southern North Sea. The dykes were emplaced into Paleozoic and Mesozoic sediments and have a common upper termination in Early Tertiary sediments. We interpret the dykes to be part of the British Tertiary volcanic province and estimate the age of the dykes to be 58 Ma. The dykes are characterized by a narrow 0.5–2 km wide vertical disturbance of seismic reflections that have linear plan view geometry. Negative magnetic anomalies directly align with the vertical seismic disturbance zones and indicate the presence of igneous material. Linear coalesced collapse craters are found above the dykes. The collapse craters have been defined and visualized in 3D. Collapse craters have formed above the dyke due to the release of volatiles at the dyke tip and resulting volume loss. Larger craters have potentially formed due to explosive phreatomagmatic interaction between magma and pore water. The collapse craters are a new Earth analogue to Martian pit chain craters. |
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