Permian to Triassic tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the Wegener Halvø peninsula, East Greenland

Few regions in East Greenland allow the structural and stratigraphic relationships between the late Palaeozoic to early Mesozoic strata to be studied in detail. Major structural and environmental events occurred during this period, the recognition and characterisation of which have significant implications for the evolution of East Greenland and are likely to be of importance for our understanding of the fill of adjacent offshore basins. The Permian and Triassic successions contain both source rock and potential reservoir intervals and therefore may be of significance for regional petroleum systems.

Detailed mapping and sedimentological analysis have been undertaken on and around the Wegener Halvø peninsula, where Proterozoic to Early Jurassic strata are exceptionally well exposed. Folded Devonian and Carboniferous sediments are unconformably overlain by Late Permian conglomerate and carbonate units. Topography, displaying relief of up to 200 m, is recognised on the pre-Late Permian land surface and the initial continental Late Permian deposits are recorded to thicken into faults, indicative of syn-sedimentary faulting.

Transgression of the region, starting in the Late Permian, led to extensive carbonate and marine mudstone deposition, during which sea level exerted a major control on deposition. Sea level trends offer a useful tool for correlation of the Permian succession (Foldvik Creek Group) across the basin. Following a significant sea level fall, marking the termination of the carbonate-dominated Foldvik Creek Group, deposition of the turbiditic Wordie Creek Formation records the re-establishment of relatively deep marine conditions across the basin. Progressive pulses of sedimentation lead to the eventual infilling of the marine basin and a transition to continental deposition (Pingo Dal Formation). Syn-sedimentary faulting is recognised through the remainder of the Early Triassic succession and into the Mid-Triassic. This phase of tectonism appears to end during the Carnian with the development of an angular unconformity. The tabular nature of the overlying Late Triassic units is suggestive of deposition in a post-rift setting.