Mesozoic structural and sedimentary development of the Danish Central Graben

Abstract

The structural framework of the Central Graben, probably created in Late Palaeozoic times, controlled the sedimentary conditions during major parts of the Mesozoic. The Danish Central Graben is subdivided into a number of sub-areas each characterized by specific structural styles, the most important being the Northern and Southern Salt-dome provinces. the Tail End Graben and the Dogger High. During the Triassic subsidence a sedimentary sequence not surpassing 2000 m was deposited. The Early Kimmerian tectonic phase caused erosion into the top of the Triassic sequence on anticlinal structures. The Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods were dominated by strong subsidence and more than 4000 m of sediments were accumulated in the Tail End Grabèn. Both the Mid and Late Kimmerian tectonic phases affected the Central Graben. During the Late Cretaceous the change from a rifting phase into one of gradual subsidence was accompanied by inversion tectonics.