The geometric and temporal evolution of fault?related folds constrain normal fault growth patterns, Barents Sea, offshore Norway

Extensional growth folds form ahead of the tips propagating normal faults. These can accommodate a considerable amount extensional strain and they may control rift geometry. Fold-related surface deformation also sedimentary evolution syn-rift depositional systems. Thus, by examining stratigraphic record, we constrain four-dimensional folds, which in turn provides record fault broader history. Here, use high-quality 3D seismic reflection borehole data from SW Barents Sea, offshore northern Norway to determine geometric temporal associated with large, long-lived, basement-rooted fault. We show that grew via linkage four segments, was formation fault-parallel fault-perpendicular accommodated substantial portion (10%–40%) total strain. Several periods fault-propagation folding occurred response periodic burial fault, individual events (ca. 25 32 Myr) lasting considered part ca. 130 Myr period. Our study supports previous suggestions continuous (i.e. folding) as well discontinuous faulting) must be explicitly when assessing an setting. changes architecture strata alternating faulting margins rift-related depocentres characterised basinward-dipping monoclines opposed fault-bound scarps. findings have implications for our understanding structural, physiographic tectonostratigraphic basins.