The Langeland Fault System unravelled: Quaternary fault reactivation along an elevated basement block between the North German and Norwegian–Danish basins

The reactivation of faults and possible impact on barrier integrity marks a critical aspect for investigations subsurface usage capabilities. Glacial isostatic adjustments, originating from repeated Quaternary glaciations northern Europe, cause tectonic stresses pre-existing fault systems structural elements the North German Norwegian–Danish basins. Notably, our current understanding dynamics scales glacially induced is rather limited. A high-resolution 2D seismic data set recently acquired offshore northeastern Langeland Island allows investigation graben system termed Fault System. Seismo-stratigraphic interpretation reflection in combination with diffraction imaging unravels spatial character System along an elevated basement block Ringkøbing–Fyn High. In sediment echosounder data, helps to visualize continuation deep-rooted up sea floor. Initial Mesozoic faulting occurred during Triassic. Late Cretaceous inversion reactivated flanking southern border High while absent Here, normal Maastrichtian–Danian. We show that glacial or postglacial within System, as evident by propagation deeper floor, dissecting successions. Our findings suggest was over length scale minimum 8.5 km. discuss causes this reactivations context present-day stress field. techniques different penetration depths vertical resolution used study rarely realized hinterland. It can therefore be speculated many more inherited, were Pleistocene glaciated regions.