Late Precambrian sedimentary rocks of the Tanafjord-Varangerfjord region of Varanger peninsula, Northern Norway.

Abstract

The late Precambrian Older Sandstone Series of Føyn (1937) underlies relatively large areas od the Tanafjord-Varangerfjord region of Varanger Peninsula (Siedlecka & Siedlecki, 1967). Geological mapping carried out by the authors in the last few years has shown that this rock-sequnce crops out conveniently for lithostratigraphic studies in two particular areas: 1) east of the Tanafjord, Between Trollfjord, Leirpollen and Gednjevannet and 2) in the central part of Varanger peninsula close to Skibskjølen and Kjøtindene. Geological maps of these two areas are enclosed. Based on a study of the type-profiles and supposed by information obtained from geological mapping, a formal lithostratigraphical classification of the Older Sandstone Series is introduced. The name Tanafjord Group is proposed for the sequence; adopting local geographical names the Tanafjord Group is then divided into seven formations defined according to the rules of lithostratigraphical nomenclature and classification. Description of all the lithostratigraphical units supplement the classification. Finally, main features of the structures of the mapped areas and of Varanger Peninsula in general are reviewed briefly in the light of the results of the recent studies.