Ladinian palynofloras in the Norwegian–Danish Basin: a regional marker reflecting a climate change

Abstract

The Triassic – lower Cretaceous sedimentary succession of the Norwegian–Danish Basin has for a long time been of exploration interest, and numerous studies have been carried out. However, high-resolution correlation within the basin remains necessary, especially between the Danish and Norwegian parts of the basin. A variety of litho- and biostratigraphic schemes have been applied to the succession over the years, but lack of consistency in terminology has often led to confusing interpretations of the geological development. In this study a sequence stratigraphic scheme has been developed for the Danish Basin and a compiled palynological event stratigraphy is applied to a number of wells connecting the Danish and Norwegian parts of the basin and new marker horizons are identified. One of the aims of this study is to reach consistency in order to facilitate correlation within the basin and we also emphasise the recognition of a potentially important mid-Triassic event in the basin.