Deformation of the Carboniferous on the Oldenburg High and the Location of the Variscan Front in Northwest Germany

Abstract

The article tries to answer the question of the origin and structural development of the deformation of the pre-Permian units southwest of Bremen. An interpretetion of a 3D-seismic survey was made to resolve the structural style of the Upper Carboniferous with the aim to get some clues for the Variscan deformation of the Variscan foreland. The area is suitable for the evaluation because of the existence of a 3D-seismic survey. Moreover, the depth of the Zechstein at. 4500 m is not to deep for imaging deeper reflections and there is not a severe distortion of the reflection pattern by later tectonic developments. Because of the 3D insight into the complex and deep seated structures, other 2D-seismic investigations which image similar parts can be better understood and interpretation errors can be avoided. It is concluded that only 3D-seismic measurements can resolve the complex structural devolopment at this site.