Stratigraphy of volcanic rock successions of the North Atlantic rifted margin: the offshore record of the Faroe–Shetland and Rockall basins

ABSTRACT The integration of biostratigraphical, wireline log, geophysical and available geochronological ages has identified two principal periods volcanism in the Faroe–Shetland Rockall basins. first is pre-breakup, upper Danian to lower Thanetian: basins, isolated volcanic activity from 62 Ma 58.7 areas closely linked SSW–NNE structural fabric continental margin. Volcanic was concentrated at basin flank fissures localised point sources. This rift-flank led widespread ash deposition, lava flow fields formation igneous centres. Some Hebridean onshore central complexes (e.g., Rum) were uplifted rapidly eroded during later pre-breakup period, while additional accommodation space developed adjacent offshore Onset termination correlated intra-plate stress regimes Europe, following cessation convergence Africa Europe Danian. second syn-breakup, Thanetian Ypresian, initiated ca. 57 Initial high-volume extrusive successions focussed W Basin. In centre E separate eruption loci along pre-existing lineaments either as fissure or point-sourced fields. Short-term ~55.8 followed by resumption flood basalt eruptions a shift focus NW. Fluctuations syn-breakup tempo are reflected subsequent rejuvenation prominent unconformities, only previously recognised single erosive event. northward focus, mid ocean ridge basalt-type lavas period reflect onset lithospheric thinning nascent North Atlantic Rift prior flooding rift Ypresian Balder Formation tephras.