Norway Basin Aeromagnetic Survey NB-07 - Acquisition, processing and interpretation

Abstract

A high sensitivity aeromagnetic survey, NB-07, was carried out in an area of 155.000 km2 from the outer Vøring Basin to the Faroes Plateau in the Norway Basin. Data processing comprised spike-removal and data editing, systematic (IGRF and lag) corrections, statistical, differential median levelling and decorrugation micro-levelling. Several potential field maps were produced from the survey area. Examples of various filters applied to the magnetic field have been illustrated. One of the major results of this survey was a demonstration of modern, high-resolution aeromagnetic data providing an efficient geophysical tool for better re-mapping of the Norway Basin.Trend enhancement and a preliminary interpretation of the survey have been carried out. The magnetic chrons and other new oceanic features have been investigated. The NB-07 dataset documents the Continent-Ocean transition (COT) of the Faroes and Møre volcanic margins and the subsequent spreading history of the Norway Basin. The onset of the continental breakup and the subsequent segmentation of the early spreading system have been described and discussed. It involves complex tectono-magmatic processes which could explain the different magnetic patterns observed in the NB-07 survey area. The survey also documents an important kinematic phase of the spreading system after chron C22n (middle Eocene); never clearly documented before. The survey provides new elements to the discussion of the geodynamic evolution of the Norwegian-Greenland Sea and surrounding volcanic margins