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The evolution of the North German Basin and the metamorphism of the lower crust

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Abstract

In an integrated analysis, metamorphic processes in the accreted crust, potential field anomalies, temperature field and subsidence history are summarized into a model for the development of the North German Basin. The model integrates observed phenomena such as the high nitrogen content in natural gases in Permian sandstone reservoirs and the structure of the crust with model calculations. Rock density increase, subsequent volume reduction and loss of volatiles during metamorphism lead to a depression at the surface of the Earth. The load of the sediments, which will be deposited in the depression, enhances the subsidence and the ongoing metamorphism. The model provides an alternative to the application of existing tectonic stretching models for the explanation of the subsidence of sedimentary basins.

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Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges the permission to publish this paper from the German oil and gas industry (Wirtschaftsverband Erdöl- und Erdgasgewinnung e.V.), especially BEB/ExxonMobil. He thanks Norbert Hoffmann, Dirk Gajewski and Konrad Rockenbauch for their helpful comments. The critical reviews by Ian Norton, Piotr Krzywiec and Peter Ziegler are also appreciated. This work has been carried out within the DFG-SPP-1135.

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  1. Institut für Geophysik, Universität Hamburg, Hindenburgstraße 39, 30175, Hannover, Germany

    Heinz-Juergen Brink

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Correspondence to Heinz-Juergen Brink.

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Brink, HJ. The evolution of the North German Basin and the metamorphism of the lower crust. Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 94, 1103–1116 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-005-0037-7

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