Structural-Geodynamic Systems of the Eastern Arctic

Abstract

The research considered in the article was aimed at studying the structure and evolution of the Eastern Arctic structural-geodynamic systems. The tectonic model of the base of the Eastern Arctic plate section determines their vertical zonality in terms of structure and tectonics based on the interpretation of seismic and other geophysical survey data correlated with varying degrees of reliability with the studied sections in the adjacent or remote areas. Accordingly, the models of vertical structure and formational composition built on this basis are largely hypothetical and tend to change (even fundamentally) as geological and geophysical information accumulates. Geodynamic analysis of formation of the Eastern Arctic structural-geodynamic systems was based on tectonic-geodynamic paleoreconstructions reflecting interactions among blocks of the consolidated crust. The results obtained made it possible to significantly update, expand and, in some cases, refine the understanding of the structure of the basement and individual reference horizons of the sedimentary cover in this part of the water area. It was also concluded that the East Arctic waters are of significant interest in terms of hydrocarbon exploration, however, the assessment of their hydrocarbon potential is difficult due to poor geophysical knowledge and lack of wells.