The evolution of the North German Basin and the metamorphism of the lower crust

Abstract

In an integrated analysis, metamorphic processes in the accreted crust, potential field anomalies, temperature field and subsidence history are summarized into a model for the development of the North German Basin. The model integrates observed phenomena such as the high nitrogen content in natural gases in Permian sandstone reservoirs and the structure of the crust with model calculations. Rock density increase, subsequent volume reduction and loss of volatiles during metamorphism lead to a depression at the surface of the Earth. The load of the sediments, which will be deposited in the depression, enhances the subsidence and the ongoing metamorphism. The model provides an alternative to the application of existing tectonic stretching models for the explanation of the subsidence of sedimentary basins.

The Glueckstadt Graben of the North-German Basin: new insights into the structure from 3D and 2D gravity analyses

“…Certainly, this suggestion does not exclude older events, leading to differentiation of the lower crust in the region. Additionally, metamorphism of the lower crust might have resulted in the increase of a rock density and subsequently in the development of the identified high-density body (Brink 2005).…”

Slope aspect affects geomorphic dynamics of coal mining spoil heaps in Belgium

“…At the apogee of the Hercynian orogenesis, a mountain chain separated the Mediterranean area from the North German bight, a shallow marshy area ideal for the development of coal. Most coal basins in Europe are located at the position of what was then the North German basin (Goossens, 1984;Minten et al, 1992;Brink, 2005). Both in the northwestern Kempen region, and in the southern Belgian axis (Borinage-Centre-CharleroiLiège) coal layers of the same ages occur; they are however thicker and deeply buried in the Kempen (Goossens, 1984;Minten et al, 1992).…”

New insights into the crustal structure of the North German Basin from reprocessing of seismic reflection data using the Common Reflection Surface stack

“…It only slightly increases at the far eastern end. The new interpretation corresponds to the pressure-and temperaturederived Moho topography (Brink 2005) in that area, which lacks the observation of a Moho uplift below the graben centre. However, the proposed flat Moho is in conflict with the currently supported extension model of the Glückstadt Graben requiring a Moho high below the Glückstadt Graben.…”

“…As one of the deepest postPermian graben structures it provides a structural record of stress and strain states imprinted into the crustal and mantle structures. The basin structure and the sedimentary fill of the graben have been widely investigated during the last decades (e.g., Bachmann and Grosse 1989;Brink 2005;Brink et al 1990Brink et al , 1992Baldschuhn et al 2001;Kockel 2002;Maystrenko et al 2005;Scheck-Wenderoth and Lamarche 2005).…”