Tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Slyne Basin

Abstract. The Slyne Basin, located offshore NW Ireland, is a narrow and elongated basin composed of series interconnected grabens half-grabens, separated by transfer zones coincident with deep crustal structures formed during the Silurian- to Devonian-aged Caledonian Orogeny. product complex, polyphase structural evolution stretching from Permian Miocene. Initially, relatively low-strain rifting occurred in Late again latest Triassic Middle Jurassic, followed third phase high-strain Jurassic. These extensional events were punctuated periods tectonic quiescence Early Jurassic strain was primarily accommodated several kilometres slip on basin-bounding faults, which through breaching relay ramps between left-stepping fault segments developed earlier Early–Middle rift phases. Following cessation at end area experienced kilometre-scale uplift erosion Cretaceous second, less severe denudation Palaeocene. post-rift distinct regional unconformities resulted reduced sedimentary section. Basin influenced pre-existing high angle basinal trend. illustrates rarely documented style reactivation faults are oblique trend, but initial parallel this result reversal sense stepping generally associated basement control faults.