TEMPELFJORDEN GROUP (CP-78)

STATUS OF UNIT: Formal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Cutbill & Challinor 1965
CURRENT DEFINITION: Cutbill & Challinor 1965
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): None
ORIGIN OF NAME: Tempelfjorden (transl. "Temple Fiord"): A fiord between Bünsow Land and Sabine Land, central Spitsbergen
TYPE AREA: Mountain areas in Dickson Land and Bünsow Land, central Spitsbergen
STRUCTURAL SETTING: Late Palaeozoic platform of Svalbard/Barents Sea Shelf
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: Late Artinskian - Kazanian (?Tatarian)
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Sassendalen Group
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Gipsdalen Group, Bjarmeland Group
SUPERIOR UNIT: None
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: Up to 460 m
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Chert, siliceous shale, sandstone, limestone
DESCRIPTION: The group consists of siliceous (spiculitic) shales, siltstones and cherts with intercalated minor sandstones and limestones of mid- to late Permian age, overlying the carbonates of the Gipsdalen Group. Both litho- and biofacies contrast strongly with those of the underlying group, indicating a hydrographic shift to cooler water conditions. The generally deeper water facies represented in this group also suggest large-scale sea level rise accompanying rifting and establishment of a marine passage from the Boreal Sea in the Barents Sea Region to the North Sea area. The Tempelfjorden Group at present comprises three laterally equivalent formations: Kapp Starostin Formation (Spitsbergen and eastern islands), Tokrossøya Formation (Sørkapp area) and Miseryfjellet Formation (Bjørnøya). Similar successions seen in offshore wells throughout the Barents Sea Shelf will undoubtedly augment present knowledge of the group's development.

KAPP STAROSTIN FORMATION (CP-79)

DISTRIBUTION shown on Fig. 2-06, Fig. 2-07, Fig. 2-08, Fig. 2-09, Fig. 2-10
STATUS OF UNIT: Formal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Cutbill & Challinor 1965
CURRENT DEFINITION: Cutbill & Challinor 1965
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): "Brachiopod formation": Nordenskiöld 1863; "Brachiopod Cherts": Gee et al. 1952; "Starostin Formation": Burov et al. 1965. The "Starostin Formation" as defined by Burov et al. (1965) does not contain the Selanderneset member, which is considered as an individual formation by them.
ORIGIN OF NAME: Kapp Starostin: A point on the southern coast of outer Isfjorden.
TYPE SECTION (Fig. 2-110): Stratotype: Kapp Starostin, outer Isfjorden
STRUCTURAL SETTING: Late Palaeozoic platform of Svalbard/Barents Sea Shelf
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: Late Artinskian - Kazanian
DATING METHOD: Various fossils
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: Biernat & Birkenmajer 1981; Nakamura et al. 1987; Stemmerik 1988; Nakrem 1988, 1991; Nakrem et al. 1992
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Vardebukta and Vikinghøgda formations
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Gipshuken Formation
SUPERIOR UNIT: Tempelfjorden Group
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: Up to 460 m, 380 m in stratotype
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Chert, siliceous shale, sandstone, limestone
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The base of the formation is almost everywhere defined by the onset of the Vøringen Member, a distinct marker bed composed of bioclastic limestone, overlying the dolomitic lithologies of the Gipshuken Formation.
DESCRIPTION: The Kapp Starostin Formation is developed throughout Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet in all localities east and north of the Sørkapp-Hornsund High (Fig. 2-107, Fig. 2-108, Fig. 2-109). Its upper parts are also poorly exposed on Edgeøya and Barentsøya. It is 460 m thick in the St. Jonsfjorden Trough, 380 m in the type section at Isfjorden, and thins to a few metres, and finally pinches out, on the eastern margins of the Sørkapp-Hornsund High. Lithologies are spiculitic cherts, shales and siltstones, siliceous sandstones and limestones, and dolomites. The overall stratigraphic development is not understood well yet, and the member subdivision of the formation is largely of a preliminary, informal character.

Fig. 2-107
Fig. 2-107: A typical cliff formed by the cherts, spiculitic limestones and sandstones of the Kapp Starostin Formation (upper half of slope) at Skansen (Billefjorden). Photo: J. Nagy



Fig. 2-108
Fig. 2-108: Alternating cherts and spiculitic carbonate rocks of the Kapp Starostin Formation at Skansbukta (Billefjorden). Photo: J. Nagy



Fig. 2-109
Fig. 2-109: Section through the Kapp Starostin Formation in western Nordenskiöld Land showing five depositional units of cherts and other spiculitic lithologies. Photo: E.P. Johannessen


Detailed local descriptions are provided by a number of unpublished theses: Bottolfsen (1994), Cutler (1981), Fredriksen (1988), Hellem (1980), Henriksen (1988), Knag (1980), Saalmann (1995).

Fig. 2-110
Fig. 2-110: Stratigraphic section CP-79/80/81/82. Stratotype for: Kapp Starostin Formation, Vøringen, Svenskeegga and Hovtinden members. Locality: Kapp Starostin, Festningen section. Reference: Hellem 1980 (unpubl.)


Vøringen Member (CP-80)
STATUS OF UNIT: Formal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Cutbill & Challinor 1965
CURRENT DEFINITION: Cutbill & Challinor 1965
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): "Limestone A": Forbes et al. 1958
ORIGIN OF NAME: Vøringen (named after a vessel): A mountain in western Nordenskiöld Land, close to the type locality
TYPE SECTION (Fig. 2-110): Stratotype: Kapp Starostin, outer Isfjorden
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: Late Artinskian - Kungurian. The Vøringen Member probably corresponds in age to the upper part of the Hambergfjellet Formation and/or the hiatus between the Hambergfjellet and Miseryfjellet formations on Bjørnøya.
DATING METHOD: See Kapp Starostin Formation
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: See Kapp Starostin Formation
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Svenskeegga member
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Gipshuken Formation
SUPERIOR UNIT: Kapp Starostin Formation
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: Up to 40 m, 22 m in stratotype
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Bioclastic limestone
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The base is defined at the onset of bioclastic limestone above the dolomitic lithologies of the Gipshuken Formation.
DESCRIPTION: The Vøringen Member consists of limestones rich in brachiopods, bryozoans, crinoids and other marine fossils. It is a transgressive unit and forms widespread and prominent cliffs above the more easily weathered dolomitic limestones of the upper Gipshuken Formation. The member is used as a marker almost throughout Svalbard. It does not occur in northern Oscar II Land including Brøggerhalvøya.

Svenskeegga member (CP-81)
STATUS OF UNIT: Informal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Cutbill & Challinor 1965
CURRENT DEFINITION: Cutbill & Challinor 1965
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): None
ORIGIN OF NAME: Svenskeegga (transl. "The Swede Crest"): A mountain crest in southern Oscar II Land
TYPE SECTION (Fig. 2-110)): Stratotype: Kapp Starostin, outer Isfjorden
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: Kungurian - ?Kazanian
DATING METHOD: See Kapp Starostin Formation
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: See Kapp Starostin Formation
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Hovtinden member
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Vøringen Member
SUPERIOR UNIT: Kapp Starostin Formation
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: 150-230 m, 165 m in stratotype
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Spiculitic shale, chert, siltstone, limestone
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The lower boundary is defined, where clastic lithologies conformably overly the bioclastic limestone of the Vøringen Member.
DESCRIPTION: The Svenskeegga member is only defined in its type area at outer Isfjorden. Stratigraphic relations to other sections of the Kapp Starostin Formation are not yet understood.
The unit consists of cherts and spiculitic shales as well as siliceous limestones with sponges and sponge spicula, brachiopods (abundant productids and spiriferids), bryozoans and trace fossils (e.g. Zoophycos). A bioclastic limestone marker bed occurs uppermost in the unit in the Festningen section. Bioturbation and faunas suggest deep marine shelf conditions.

Hovtinden member (CP-82)
STATUS OF UNIT: Informal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Cutbill & Challinor 1965
CURRENT DEFINITION: Cutbill & Challinor 1965
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): None
ORIGIN OF NAME: Hovtinden (transl. "The Hoof Pinnacle"): A mountain summit in southern Oscar II Land
TYPE SECTION (Fig. 2-110): Stratotype: Kapp Starostin, outer Isfjorden
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: ?Kazanian
DATING METHOD: See Kapp Starostin Formation
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: See Kapp Starostin Formation
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Vardebukta Formation
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Svenskeegga member
SUPERIOR UNIT: Kapp Starostin Formation
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: 200-230 m, 196 m in stratotype
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Silicified shale, siltstone, sandy limestone
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The base is defined, where shales, sandy cherts or cherty sandstones conformably overlie the bioclastic limestone interval in the upper part of the Svenskeegga member. The boundary is not defined outside the type area.
DESCRIPTION: The Hovtinden member is only defined in its type area at outer Isfjorden. Stratigraphic relations to other sections of the Kapp Starostin Formation are not yet understood.
The unit consists of silica-cemented shales, siltstones and sandstones, as well as thin intercalated limestones. The uppermost part of the unit at Festningen shows a slight upwards coarsening trend into silty shales with a decreasing spiculite content.

Revtanna member (CP-83)
STATUS OF UNIT: Informal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Here
CURRENT DEFINITION: Here, following Knag (1980, unpubl.)
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): None
ORIGIN OF NAME: Revtanna (transl. "The Fox Tooth"): A mountain in northern Wedel Jarlsberg Land
TYPE SECTION (Fig. 2-111): Stratotype: Revtanna, northern Wedel Jarlsberg Land
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: ?Kazanian
DATING METHOD: Indirect, stratigraphic relationships
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: See Kapp Starostin Formation
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Vardebukta Formation
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Not named
SUPERIOR UNIT: Kapp Starostin Formation
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: Up to 85 m
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Sandstone, shale, siltstone, limestone
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The lower boundary of the member in the type section is defined at the bottom of a distinct sandstone interval, resting conformably on a limestone bed 58 m above the base of the Kapp Starostin Formation.
DESCRIPTION: The Revtanna member comprises the sandstone-dominated, upper part of the Kapp Starostin Formation in SW Spitsbergen, along the eastern margins of the Sørkapp Hornsund High. The unit consists of three coarsening-upward sequences, each starting with a thin limestone grading up via dark shales or siltstones into very fine or fine clayey quartz sandstones often rich in glauconite. The thickness of the member (82 m in the type section) decreases southward towards the Sørkapp-Hornsund High. Northward, the member interfingers with the dark spiculitic mudstones, limestones and siltstones of the Hovtinden Member.

Fig. 2-111
Fig. 2-111: Stratigraphic section CP-83. Stratotype for: Revtanna member. Locality: Revtanna. Reference: Knag 1980 (unpubl.)


Stensiöfjellet member (CP-84)
STATUS OF UNIT: Informal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Here
CURRENT DEFINITION: Here
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): None
ORIGIN OF NAME: Stensiöfjellet: A mountain in Sabine Land
TYPE SECTION (Fig. 2-112): Stratotype: Stensiöfjellet, Sabine Land
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: ?Kazanian
DATING METHOD: Indirect, stratigraphic relationships
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: See Kapp Starostin Formation
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Vardebukta and Vikinghøgda formations
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Not named
SUPERIOR UNIT: Kapp Starostin Formation
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: Up to 60 m, 27 m in stratotype
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Sandstone, chert
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The base of the member occurs 30 m below the Triassic base on the western slope of Stensiöfjellet (type locality), at the base of a massive sandstone succession.
DESCRIPTION: The Stensiöfjellet member forms a thick sandstone wedge in the uppermost part of the Kapp Starostin Formation in northwestern and central Spitsbergen. The member consists of irregularly interbedded glauconitic sandstones and sandy, spiculitic cherts. Sporadic coquina lags and brachiopod shells occur. The unit's greenish colour in the field reflects its high glauconite content. The lower boundary is gradational from light spiculitic cherts or silicified coquina limestones. The maximum thickness of ca. 60 m occurs in the Billefjorden area and on Brøggerhalvøya. The unit is not correlative with or laterally equivalent to the Selanderneset member.

Fig. 2-112
Fig. 2-112: Stratigraphic section CP-84. Stratotype for: Stensiöfjellet member. Locality: Stensiöfjellet. Reference: Hellem, T. & Worsley, D. (unpubl.)


Palanderbukta member (CP-85)
STATUS OF UNIT: Informal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Lauritzen 1981
CURRENT DEFINITION: Lauritzen 1981
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): None
ORIGIN OF NAME: Palanderbukta: A fiord in southwestern Nordaustlandet
TYPE SECTION (
Fig. 2-113): Stratotype: Zeipelfjella W, Palanderbukta, Nordaustlandet
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: Kungurian - ?Ufimian
DATING METHOD: Conodonts
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: Nakrem et al. 1992
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Not named
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Not named
SUPERIOR UNIT: Kapp Starostin Formation
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: 17.5 m in stratotype
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Limestone, chert
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The base of the member is marked by a sharp lithological break at 46.5 m (in the type section) above the base of the Kapp Starostin Formation.
DESCRIPTION: The Palanderbukta member is only observed on Nordaustlandet. It is dominated by limestones which are extremely fossiliferous (brachiopods, subordinate corals). Prevailing lithologies are sandy biosparites, subordinate cherty biosparites and chert. An almost white, 2 m thick chert bed is found in the lower part of the unit. The member often has a characteristic green colour caused by the presence of glauconite, and some beds consist of almost pure glauconite sandstone.

Fig. 2-113
Fig. 2-113: Stratigraphic section CP-85. Stratotype for: Palanderbukta member. Locality: Palanderbukta, Zeipelfjella. Reference: Lauritzen 1981


Selanderneset Member (CP-86)
STATUS OF UNIT: Informal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Burov et al. 1965
CURRENT DEFINITION: Here
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): "Selander Suite": Burov et al. 1965
ORIGIN OF NAME: Selanderneset: A cape on southwestern Nordaustlandet, at Hinlopenstretet
TYPE SECTION (Fig. 2-114, Fig. 2-115): Unit stratotype: Angelinberget, Selanderneset, Nordaustlandet. Boundary and Hypostratotype: Eremitten, Vaigattbogen, Olav V Land
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: ?Kazanian
DATING METHOD: Indirect, stratigraphic relationships
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: Nakrem et al. 1992
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Not named
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Not named
SUPERIOR UNIT: Kapp Starostin Formation
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: 30-300 (?) m
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Sandstone, sandy limestone
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The lower boundary is defined by beds of glauconitic sandstones resting conformably0 on spiculitic cherts of the underlying part of the formation.

Fig. 2-114
Fig. 2-114: Stratigraphic section CP-86a. Unit stratotype for: Selanderneset member. Locality: Angelinberget, Selanderneset. Reference: Hellem, T. & Worsley, D. (unpubl.)



Fig. 2-115
Fig. 2-115: Stratigraphic section CP-86b. Boundary stratotype for: Selanderneset member. Locality: Eremitten. Reference: Hellem, T. & Worsley, D. (unpubl.)


DESCRIPTION: Glauconitic sandstones and sandy coquina limestones herein defined as the Selanderneset member occur in the upper part of the Kapp Starostin Formation on Nordaustlandet and in the Lomfjorden area, northeastern Spitsbergen. This usage is more restricted – both stratigraphically and geographically – than the original "Selander Suite" introduced by Burov et al. (1965). The top is defined by a higher level of spiculitic cherts. Though the member is defined by a higher level of spicitalitic cherts. Though the member is defined by the type locality at Selanderneset, the good exposure at Eremitten (Vaigattbogen, northern Olav V Land) are used as a boundary and hypostratotype. The member is 85 m thick here and outcrops between 135 m and 220 m above sea-level on the mountain's northeastern slopes. The member thins westward and passes into spiculitic cherts and shales. It consists of three course sandy limestone to sandstone units with spiculitic interbeds between each of these.

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Tokrossøya Formation (CP-87)

DISTRIBUTION shown in Fig. 2-06
STATUS OF UNIT: Formal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Siedlecki 1964
CURRENT DEFINITION: Siedlecka 1970
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): Tokrossøya "Beds": Siedlecki 1964; Brahiopod Cherty Limestone: Birkenmajer & Czarniecki 1960. Formation rank was introduced by Cutbill & Challinor (1965).
ORIGIN OF NAME: Tokrossøya (transl. "Island of the two crosses"): A small island close to the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen
TYPE SECTION (Fig. 2-116): Stratotype:Tokrossøya N, Sørkapp Land
STRUCTURAL SETTING: Late Palaeozoic platform of Svalbard/Barents Sea Shelf
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: ?Kungurian - ?Kazanian
DATING METHOD: Invertebrate fossils
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: Nakrem et al. 1992
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Vardebukta Formation
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Not exposed
SUPERIOR UNIT: Tempelfjorden Group
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: Up to ca. 425 m exposed
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Chert, siliceous limestone, sandstone
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The lower boundary is not exposed.
DESCRIPTION: The Tokrossøya Formation represents the Tempelfjorden Group on the southwestern side of the Sørkapp-Hornsund High. The present exposures are probably thrust in from the west during the Palaeogene tectonic event.
The basal part of the Tokrossøya Formation is not exposed. The most complete section of 300 m thickness is exposed on Tokrossøya (type section). Siedlecka (1970) pointed out that the original description of Siedlecki (1964) presented the unit in inverted succession; these authors divided the succession into Lower and Upper "Tokrossøya beds", the lower being dominated by arenaceous, calcareous, spiculitic cherts or spiculites, and the upper by arenaceous, cherty limestones and overlying calcareous sandstones and siltstones. On øyrlandet and Tokrossøya, the two members are divided by one or several, up to 20 m thick layers of silica-cemented, medium-grained quartz sandstones (Sandhamna beds). Glauconite is present in nearly all rock types. Macrofossils (spiriferids, productids, bryozoans and occasionally sponges) occur predominantly and abundantly within the upper member, but also less frequently at certain levels of the lower member. Pectenids are found in some places within the lower member. Plant remains occur within the quartz sandstones and intercalated arenaceous limestones on øyrlandet.
Siedlecka (1970) provided a detailed sediment-petrologic analysis of the individual rock types and concluded that the sediments were deposited in an epicontinental marine environment with a maximum transgression during the deposition of the cherts of the lower member under relatively deep, quiet, restricted conditions, probably within depressions on the outer shelf. The arenaceous rocks of the upper member indicate shallowing and littoral influx.

Fig. 2-116
Fig. 2-116: Stratigraphic section CP-87. Stratotype for: Tokrossøya Formation. Locality: Tokrossøya N. Reference: Dallmann et al. 1993, redrawn from Siedlecka 1970


Sandhamna beds (CP-88)
STATUS OF UNIT: Informal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Here
CURRENT DEFINITION: Here
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): None
ORIGIN OF NAME: Sandhamna: A bay in SW øyrlandet, southern Sørkapp Land
TYPE SECTION (Fig. 2-117): Sandhamna, øyrlandet SW Sørkapp Land
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: ?Ufimian - ?Kazanian
DATING METHOD: Indirect, stratigraphic relationships
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: See Tokrossøya Formation
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Not named
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Not named
SUPERIOR UNIT: Kapp Starostin Formation
OTHER USE OF NAME: None
THICKNESS: ca. 70 m stratotype
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Sandstone
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The base of the unit is the first massive sandstone bed in the middle part of the Tokrossøya Formation.
DESCRIPTION: The Sandhamna beds occur on both sides of the NNW-SSE trending syncline passing through øyrlandet. On the SSW fold limb, they run from Sandhamna to Skjerodden; on the NNE fold limb, they occur on øyrlandsodden and Tokrossøya. They reappear on Sørkappøya.
The Sandhamna beds comprise one or up to four, up to 20 m thick sandstone beds, intercalated with arenaceous cherty limestones of the middle part of the Tokrossøya Formation. The sandstones are silica-cemented, mediumgrained quartz sandstones with a distinct glauconitic component.

Fig. 2-117
Fig. 2-117: Stratigraphic section CP-88. Stratotype for: Sandhamna beds. Locality: Sandhamna. Reference: Dallmann et al. 1993, redrawn from Siedlecka 1970


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MISERYFJELLET FORMATION (CP-89)

DISTRIBUTION shown on Fig. 2-05
STATUS OF UNIT: Formal
FIRST USE OF NAME: Worsley & Edwards 1976
CURRENT DEFINITION: Worsley & Edwards 1976
SYNONYM(S) AND REFERENCE(S): "Spirifer limestone": Andersson 1900; "Laksvatnet Formation": Krasil'ščikov & Livšic 1974. Although Krasil'ščikov & Livšic (1974) publication with the name "Laksvatnet Formation" was issued earlier, the manuscripts were written simultaneously. This is valid for several units on Bjørnøya. We recommend the use of Worsley & Edward's (1976) nomenclature, because this is better established in the published literature.
ORIGIN OF NAME: Miseryfjellet: A mountain on Bjørnøya
TYPE SECTION (Fig. 2-119): Stratotype: Brettingsdalen, Miseryfjellet, Bjørnøya
STRUCTURAL SETTING: Late Palaeozoic platform of Svalbard/Barents Sea Shelf
DEPOSITIONAL AGE: Kungurian - Ufimian
DATING METHOD: Conodonts
REFERENCE(S) FOR AGE: Nakrem 1991
OVERLYING UNIT(S): Urd Formation
UNDERLYING UNIT(S): Røedvika, Nordkapp, Landnørdingsvika, Kapp Kåre, Kapp Dunér and Hambergfjellet formations
SUPERIOR UNIT: Tempelfjorden Group
OTHER USE OF NAME: "Misery Subformation": Pavlov et al. 1983 (see section 2.7.1)
THICKNESS: 90-115 m
MAIN LITHOLOGIES: Siliceous limestone, sandstone
LOWER BOUNDARY DEFINITION: The basis is defined at the overstep unconformity, where Kungurian sandstones and conglomerates overlie various older formations.

Fig. 2-118
Fig. 2-118: Miseryfjellet on Bjørnøya, seen from the east. The steep wall in the middle of the slope consists of the siliceous rocks of the Miseryfjellet Formation, morphologically well distinguished from the underlying Late Devonain Røedvika Formation and the overlying Triassic strata (Urd and Skuld formations). Photo: W.K. Dallmann


DESCRIPTION: Basal sandstones and conglomerates onlap and overstep all older units on Bjørnøya. Locally these basal beds fill up to 10 m deep karstic features in underlying dolomites of the Kapp Dunér Formation. Most of the formation consists of partially silicified grainstones and packstones, with a 12 m thick cross-bedded quartzitic sandstone developed 20 m above the base of the unit. A rich fauna of brachiopods, bryozoans and crinoids is very similar to that of correlatives on Spitsbergen (e.g. Gobbett 1963). Outliers on the island's northern coast preserve only the lowermost 10 m to 15 m of the formation. (Fig. 2-118)

Fig. 2-119
Fig. 2-119: Stratigraphic section CP-89. Stratotype for: Miseryfjellet Formation. Locality: Brettingsdalen, Miseryfjellet. Reference: Hellem, T. & Worsley, D. (unpubl.)


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