This high-resolution seismic profile across the Vøring Plateau shows the distribution, geometry and thickness of the Cenozoic sedimentary succession overlying the Eocene basalts that form the Vøring Marginal High. The calibration with ODP site 642 is indicated. Additionally, a correlation to DSDP site 338 is also shown, although the provisional nature of the latter has precluded its incorporation in the WP1 Neogene stratigraphic-range chart
(Fig. 11).
In this profile, the Kai Formation varies from about 70–350ms TWTT. It displays an internal seismic signature of low- to medium-amplitude reflectors that onlap the southwestern part of the Vøring Marginal High. They also show evidence of downlap onto Oligocene strata on top of the high, where they also exhibit a mounded form. Significantly, perhaps, in the area of DSDP site 338, the Base Kai Unconformity appears erosive. These characteristics suggest a deep-water contouritic origin for the Kai Formation.
The overlying Naust Formation has a uniform thickness of about 100ms TWTT on this part of the Vøring Plateau, and drapes the underlying relief. Consequently, the base of the Naust Formation here appears relatively conformable, although low-angle truncation cannot be discounted. This is the most distal, hemipelagic part of the prograding wedge of glacigenic sediments that has built out from the Mid Norwegian mainland.
