Origin of diamictons on the Barents Sea shelf

Occurrence conditions and lithological-paleontological characteristics of two diamicton units developed in the southeastern segment of the Barents Sea shelf are considered. It is shown that they are lithologically analogous to the present-day (undoubtedly aqueous) diamicton mud. Correlation between bulk densities of both varieties and consolidation degree (consistency) is described by a single regression equation. We present pieces of evidence contradicting the widespread point of view about the diamicton as a glacial till moving along the seafloor. They are primarily represented by paleontological remains, mainly foraminiferal assemblages. It is shown that dislocations observed in cores and traditionally considered as glaciotectonic movements are confined to fault zones in the acoustic basement and they represent fragments of secondary neotectonic structures. Ridges and hills mapped previously as glacial accumulation morphostructures reflect a relict topography of the recent subaerial shelf development not masked by sedimentation so far.