Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) off South-East Greenland: formation of a volcanic rifted margin

Abstract

The exposures of the Tertiary igneous rocks along the East Greenland coast (Fig. I) have attracted the attention or earth scientists for more than half a century (Wager, 1934; Wager & Deer 1938). However, most of the work has concentrated on the petrological and mineralogical aspects of the magmatic rocks (e.g. Skaergaard intrusion). With a few exceptions, such as Brooks (1973). Nielsen (1978). H. C. Larsen (1978), Branks (1979), Myers (1980) and Nielsen & Branks (1981). Relatively little attention has been given to the tectonic and plate tectonic setting. mainly because the plate tectonic paradigm did not become accepted until 30 years after Wager and Deer's revolutionary work. Furthermore, the tectonic context of the coastal exposures first becomes really striking when seen together with the geology and structure of the adjacent continental shelf and slope (H.C. Larsen, 1990).