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Geology; December 2006; v. 34; no. 12; p. 1001-1004; DOI: 10.1130/G22714A.1
© 2006 Geological Society of America
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Using bathymetry to identify basin inversion structures on the English Channel shelf

Jenny S. Collier1, Sanjeev Gupta1, Graeme Potter2 and Andy Palmer-Felgate3

1 Department of Earth Science & Engineering, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
2 UK Hydrographic Office, Admiralty Way, Taunton, Somerset TA1 2DN, UK
3 Department of Earth Science & Engineering, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK

High-resolution bathymetry is used to derive a new structural interpretation of a submerged inverted graben on the English Channel shelf (northwest Europe). The bathymetry provides a continuous plan-view image of the bedrock geology and resolves fine structural detail, particularly in areas of steeply dipping strata where traditional seismic imaging fails. The imagery, combined with shallow core, deep borehole, and two-dimensional seismic reflection data, shows a marked asymmetry in the bedrock outcrop and structural style, both across and along the axis of the basin. For example, the oldest synrift rocks crop out in a complex south-verging anticline along one margin, whereas more massively bedded younger rocks are folded into a simpler anticline at the other. Comparison of our observations with both recent analog modeling and a neighboring inverted basin highlights the importance of the mechanical properties of the basin stratigraphy in controlling the structural development. We conclude that the inversional asymmetry developed because of the distribution of strong competence contrasts within the synrift fill.

Key Words: basin inversion • inversion anticline • high-resolution bathymetry • Channel Basin • English Channel shelf






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