Last deglaciation and post-glacial depositional environments and processes in the NE North Sea: An integrated study based on seismic data, bathymetry and shallow sediment cores

The NE North Sea is characterized by the up to 400 m deep Norwegian Channel, that follows the west coast of Norway, and shallow sediment basins in the Fladen region. The Norwegian Channel and the sediment basins have since the last deglaciation, i.e., during the last c. 19 000 years, been filled in with an up to 20 m thick sediment package. Elsewhere in the NE North Sea the seabed is characterized by various glacial landforms, as terminal moraines and grounding zone wedges.

Supervisors

Main supervisor: Berit Oline Hjelstuen, UiB-GEO
Co-supervisor: Hans Petter Sejrup, UiB-GEO
Co-supervisor: Benjamin Bellwald, Prof II GEO-UIB, NGI

Project description

In this project, TOPAS sub bottom profiles, bathymetric data and results from already analyzed sediment cores collected in the Norwegian Channel and the Fladen region will be compiled and interpreted. The glacimarine/marine sediment package which has been deposited after the last ice sheet/ice stream retreat in the region is to be mapped and a seismostratigraphy is to be established. Furthermore, thickness maps, which will give information about sediment source areas, are to be generated. Based on the analyzed data, the depositional history of the NE North Sea during the last ca 20 000 years is to be discussed. 

The Petrel software will be used to interpret the TOPAS data. In addition, ArcGIS is to be used for mapping of glacial landforms and for plotting of data/maps/results. 

This project will contribute to: (1) New knowledge about the depositional environment and sedimentary processes in the NE North Sea during the last ca 20 000 years, (2) New knowledge on temporal and spatial changes in sediment depocentres and sediment source areas, and (3) New knowledge about the character of the (paleo)seafloor, the shallow geology and geohazards in an area which are/will be important for seabed installations as e.g., offshore windfarms.

Field-, lab- and analysis work

Interpretation of TOPAS data in the Petrel interpretation software. The TOPAS data is to be correlated with information from already analysed sediment cores and bathymetric records. It may be some work in the sediment laboratory (EarthLab). ArcGIS will be used to compile and analyse information, and to generate maps. All data is available for the project, making it possible to start on the project from day one.

Proposed courses

Some suggested courses are listed below – but will be decided upon after discussion between supervisor and student and the interest/background of the student. GEOV272 and GEOV231 are, however, needed

GEOV272 (10 stp) Seismic Interpretation
GEOV300 (5 stp) Scientific writing and communication in Earth Science
GEOV222 (10 stp) Palaeoclimatology
GEOV217 (10 stp) Geohazards
GEOV230 (10 stp) Glacial geology and geomorphology
GEOV336 (10 stp) Field and Laboratory Course in Quarternary Geology
GEOV231 (10 stp) Marine Geological Field-and Laboratory Course

Last updated: 18.06.2026