Crustal stucture of the Barents-Kara Region based on detailed deep seismic sounding

In 1995–1998 and 2003–2005, detailed deep seismic soundings were undertaken in the Barents-Kara Region along geotraverses 1-AR, 2-AR, 3-AR with a total length of over 3000 km. Seismic cross-sections, up to 50 km deep as an average, were obtained using the software package GODOGRAPH designed at the Department of Seismometry and Geoacoustics of the Lomonosov Moscow State University. The study was based on refraction traveltime curves with approximately 100 curves per profile. The sections obtained along the 1-AR and 2-AR traverses were geologically interpreted. The main crustal boundaries, fold-thrust structural features of the lower crust and a suture zone between the North Barents Basin and the Caledonian Orogenic Belt were distinguished. Based on our data, the structure of the suture can be interpreted as an ancient subduction zone. The possible pattern of tectonic movements of the Barents Plate is characterized.