Explanation to tectonic maps of the Netherlands

Abstract

Three structural contour maps and three geological maps at different levels covering the Netherlands are presented and discussed. The levels depicted are the top Carboniferous, the base Cretaceous-Upper Jurassic and the base Tertiary. The maps are discussed in relation to the tectonic history of the Netherlands. The deformation is classed as intracratonic, epeirogenetic. Three successive patterns of movement are recognized: the Permo-Triassic, the Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous, and the Cenozoic. They are basically different from each other but relatively constant in themselves. The Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous pattern and its inversion in the Upper Cretaceous receives special attention.