The geological framework for Hvideklint, south-east Denmark, using glaciodynamic sequence stratigraphy

Abstract

Glaciodynamic sequence stratigraphy provides a practical model for grouping and classifying complex geological data to aid interpretation of past climatic and environmental development in Quaternary successions. The principles of glaciodynamic sequence stratigraphy are applied here to summarise the complex glacial geological framework of Hvideklint on the island of Møn, south-east Denmark. The framework of the superimposed deformed Hvideklint is presented in a reconstructed geological cross-section of Hvideklint. For the construction of the architecture of the glaciotectonic complex, the interpretation of structures below sea level was based on a detailed new survey of the cliff section combined with construction of successive approximation balanced cross-sections. The new description is supported by drill hole data from the Jupiter database. Where chalk is not glaciotectonically deformed, the constructed depth to the top-chalk-surface is generally located about 30 m below sea level. In Hvideklint, thrust sheets with chalk are exposed 20 m above sea level, and the balanced cross-section constructions indicate that the décollement surface for a Hvideklint glaciotectonic complex is located about 80 m below sea level. Between the décollement level and the top of the complex, two or more thrust-fault flat-levels and connecting ramps add to the complex architecture of Hvideklint.