Biostratigraphic evidence for the age of Tertiary formations on Spitsbergen is critically reviewed and new evidence from dinoflagellates is presented. The shift in basin geometry and sediment source area observed in the Gilsonryggen Formation is dated as latest Palaeocene, coinciding with the initial opening of the Norwegian Sea at anomaly 24–25 time. An Upper Eocene age is proposed for sediments from Forlandsundet (Sarsbukta), indicating that the Forlandsundet graben was created during the phase of shear movement between Greenland and Spitsbergen before anomaly 13 time.

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Throndsen, T., 1982: Vitrinite reflectance studies of coals and dispersed organic matter in Tertiary deposits in the Adventdalen area, Svalbard. Polar Research Vitrinite reflectance measurements on coals and dispersed organic matter in Tertiary deposits in the Adventdalen area show that there is a continuous rank increase from 'sub-bituminous C' (Ro = 0.40) at the top through 950 m to 'high volatile bituminous B' (Ro = 0.70) at the base. Rank of the economically important coal horizon at the base of the Tertiary shows regional variation ranging from 'sub-bituminous B' (Ro = 0.41) to 'high volatile bituminous A-B' (Ro = 0.78). It is concluded that 1.0-1.5 km of Tertiary deposits were eroded during the postorogene uplift of Svalbard, and the area of greatest sediment accumulation migrated eastwards during deposition.