Stappen High–Bjørnøya Tectono-Sedimentary Element, Barents Sea
Filippos Tsikalas, Olav A. Blaich, Jan Inge Faleide, Snorre Olaussen
Abstract
The Stappen High–Bjørnøya Tectono-Sedimentary Element (TSE) is located in the western Barents Shelf and is one of the prominent tectonic elements in the area. The Stappen High comprises a shallow platform, and Bjørnøya forms its highest point with exposed outcrops. Modern seismic reflection data of improved quality in the southern part of the TSE and vintage seismic data in the northern portion are utilised. Together with updated geological information at Bjørnøya, the study provides insights into the Paleozoic–early Cenozoic evolution of the Stappen High–Bjørnøya TSE. In this context, we discuss structural inheritance and the rift development, and account for confirmed and potential hydrocarbon systems and plays.