Stratigraphic and Spatial Extent of HALIP Magmatism in Central Spitsbergen

Abstract

Rapid extensive magmatism may have a profound effect on global climate by liberating and releasing greenhouse gases to the atmosphere through contact metamorphism of lithologically heterogeneous host rocks and degassing of magma and associated lava flows. The high Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard offers accessible, superbly exposed outcrops revealing Early Cretaceous magmatism associated with the High Arctic Large Igneous Province (HALIP). In this contribution, we investigate the onshore-offshore intrusive complex of central Spitsbergen formed due to HALIP activity, that is, the Diabasodden Suite. This is the most “data-rich” part of Svalbard due to past petroleum exploration and research drilling. In this area, the predominantly dolerite intrusions are emplaced in a range of host rocks ranging from Permian carbonate-dominated successions to organic-rich shale-dominated successions of Middle Triassic and Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous age. Two hundred sixty five individual igneous intrusions, covering 72 km2, are exposed onshore in the study area. This equates to approximately 0.14–2.5 km3 of emplaced magma. In addition, subsurface characterization using borehole, seismic and magnetic data indicates that an area of additional ca. 3,000 km2 is affected by magmatism (magma volume 3.2–195.2 km3). Wireline logs in boreholes characterize both intrusions and associated aureoles. Aureoles with very low resistivity indicate occurrence of organic-rich shales suggesting past fluid circulation and de-gassing. This study forms the foundation for quantifying HALIP-related magmatism in the data-poorer parts of Svalbard, and other circum-Arctic basins.

Stratigraphic and Spatial Extent of HALIP Magmatism in Central Spitsbergen