Sequence stratigraphic and depositional framework of the Cenozoic fill, Central and Northern North Sea Basin

The post-Danian through Miocene clastic fill of the Central and Northern North Sea Basin consists of four tectonosequences that record the regional structural evolution of the basin and adjacent source areas. The tectonosequences, in turn, contain strata deposited during at least 15 depositional episodes, creating a series of stratigraphic sequences bounded by condensed sections and/or erosion surfaces. The Paleocene tectonosequence records six depositional episodes and was initiated by fault movement coupled with source area uplift. Proximal delta-fed submarine aprons of the Maureen and Andrew episodes were subsequently overridden by the Forties/Dornoch braid-delta system. Widespread source area and basin-margin foundering terminated the Paleocene with regional flooding and deposition of the Balder condensed section. Mass wasting of the relict shelf margins locally redeposited Paleocene sediments as turbidite and slump lobes. The Eocene tectonosequence began with the Frigg depositional episode. A combination of steep shelf gradient and high marine energy flux bypassed shelf sediment to the Viking trough. Subsequently four shelf progradational episodes terminated with pulsed latest Eocene shelf-margin offlap driven by stepwise relative sea-level fall. Oligocene and Miocene tectonosequences encompass four eposides of basin filling. Sediments deposited in shelf and deep-marine settings were increasingly reworked by geostrophic currents, culminating in accumulation of large Miocene contourite drift complexes along the basin axis.