Contrasting Neogene–Quaternary continental margin evolution offshore mid-north Norway: Implications for source-to-sink systems

The Neogene–Quaternary development of the ∼700 km long mid-Norwegian and Lofoten–Vesterålen continental margin is reconstructed using a dense grid 2D seismic data exploration wellbores. Overall, widespread ocean current-controlled contourite drifts built up along whole segment from mid-Miocene onwards (c. 11 Ma, Kai Formation). onset 8.8 Ma) large inner shelf progradation (Molo Formation) was, however, restricted to southern part study area, shelf. In Quaternary 2.7 Ma), grounded ice sheets repeatedly brought sediment volumes (Naust beyond Molo Formation. A similar build-out less pronounced further north, where drift growth instead continued resulted in build-up Lofoten Vesterålen drifts. contrast, area occur for most stratigraphically below, interbedded with distal progradational Naust deposits. exemplifies variability growth. wide gently dipping facilitated coastal related fluvial glacial processes, while narrow steep received little input these sources although exposed same paleoclimate. Instead, erosion canyons promoted downslope reworking across slope into deep basins. This low interpreted be controlled by alpine relief north resulting small source thus input. To south, hinterland allowed much larger later, area. Both segments were also influenced contour currents throughout studied period. We emphasize their importance understanding role deposition source-to-sink systems, need processes integrated within models.