Purpose of Toporeal: 
We address topography and continental margin evolution in the N Atlantic realm (W Scandinavia, Scotland, E and W Greenland and E Canada). Contrary to common beliefs, we hypothesise that the low-relief high elevation landscapes here are generally the consequence of the glacial buzzsaw and periglacial processes acting on ancestral topography of Caledonian or older age. However, flexural isostasy related e.g. to Quaternary fjord formation e.g. in the E and W Greenland magmatic provinces, as well as rifting and magmatism are also important. We therefore take an interdisciplinary approach using complementary methods from geophysics, seismic stratigraphy, geomorphology, numerical modelling and thermochronology. The role of climate change, erosional processes and isostasy in the understanding of the evolution of N Atlantic continental margins and adjacent sedimentary basins clearly has been underestimated in the past. If validated, our hypothesis would significantly simplify geological models of the region. The project results can significantly change the understanding of continental margin evolution in the N Atlantic realm and thereby contribute to elucidating the tectonics-climate and plume/asthenosphere-lithosphere schisms in this important area. For the oil industry a simpler and understandable geological evolution translates directly into reduced exploration risk.

The workshop will take place on Thursday 2 October at 11:00 – c. 18:00 in the auditorium at Høegh-Guldbergs gade 2, Aarhus C, Denmark.

Arranged by: Søren B. Nielsen