| Abstract: | The tectono‐sedimentary evolution of the Rotliegend deposits of the northernmost margin of NE German Basin (NEGB) has been analysed on the basis of detailed sedimentary logs of 300 m of core material together with the re‐evaluation of 600 km of seismic lines. Three distinct phases were recognized. During the initial Phase I, basin geometry was largely controlled by normal faulting related to deep‐seated ductile shearing leading to a strong asymmetric shape, with a steep fault‐controlled eastern margin and a gently, dipping western margin. The results of forward modelling along a cross‐section fit the basin geometry in width and depth and reveal a footwall uplift of c. 1000 m. Adjacent to the steep faults, local sedimentation of Lithofacies Type I was confined to non‐cohesive debris flow‐dominated alluvial fans, whereas the gently dipping western margin was dominated by alluvial‐cone sedimentation. During the post‐extensional period (Phase II), cooling of the lithosphere generated additional accommodation space. The sediments of Lithofacies Type II, comprising mainly clast‐supported conglomerates, are interpreted as braided ephemeral stream flow‐surge deposits. Tectonic quiescence and an increase in flood events resulting from wetter climate led to progradation of this facies over the entire region. At the end of this period, the accommodation space was almost completely filled resulting in a level topography. Phase III was controlled by the thermal‐induced subsidence of the southerly located NEGB in post‐Illawarra times. The formerly isolated region tilted towards the SW, thus forming the northern margin of the NEGB during uppermost Havel and Elbe Subgroup times. The sediments of Lithofacies Type III were divided into a marginal sandstone‐dominated environment and a finer‐grained facies towards the SW. The former consists of poorly‐sorted coarse‐grained sandstones of a proximal and medial ephemeral stream floodplain facies. The latter comprise mud flat fines and fine‐grained distal ephemeral stream deposits. The end of the tectono‐sedimentary evolution is marked by the basinwide Zechstein transgression. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
