Vol. 50 (2022): Lithostratigraphy, geology and geochemistry of the Tertiary volcanic rocks on Svartenhuk Halvø and adjoining areas, West Greenland

The upper Cretaceous–Tertiary Nuussuaq Basin in West Greenland contains a thick succession of siliciclastic sediments and overlying volcanic rocks. The first studies in the early 19th century were centred on the coal and fossils in the sediments and minerals in the volcanic rocks. The present focus of interest includes modern stratigraphic and volcanological studies to decipher the basin evolution and support hydrocarbon and mineral exploration.

This special issue of GEUS Bulletin presents the lithostratigraphy, geology and geochemistry of the Paleocene and Lower Eocene volcanic rocks on the Svartenhuk Halvø and adjoining areas to the north and east. The olivine-rich Vaigat Formation is more than 2000 m thick and comprises three members, of which the lowest is crustally contaminated. The basaltic Svartenhuk Formation is up to 1350 m thick and comprises four members. It extends from Svartenhuk Halvø to large areas to the north and east. The basaltic Naqerloq Formation, of early Eocene age, occurs in western Svartenhuk Halvø in erosional remnants up to 300 m thick. The comprehensive descriptions and chemical analyses are intended to serve as a guide for future studies.

This bulletin is a companion to bulletin vol. 39 and vol. 40 on the volcanic rocks of the Vaigat and Maligât Formations on Disko and Nuussuaq.