Tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, Arctic Russia: Challenges, implications, and potential

The Novaya Zemlya archipelago is a structural province located between the hydrocarbon-rich Barents and Kara Sea shelves. The tectonostratigraphic and geodynamic evolution of the archipelago is very complex but critical to better understand the geologic development of the Norwegian and western Russian Arctic, as well as for refining tectonic models in these regions. Much of this complexity is related to geologic uncertainties and controversies that are still disputed, such as the possibility of Uralian structural continuity through the archipelago, the orogenic timing in the study region, and the likelihood of orogens in the Kara Sea shelf area. Even though the geodynamic evolution of the archipelago is very challenging and largely unclear, the overall tectonostratigraphy of Novaya Zemlya is relatively well-known. The succession includes Neoproterozoic–Lower Triassic rocks believed to reflect orogenic collapse, ocean opening, and collision. These major phases of geologic development have traditionally been associated with the opening of the Uralian Ocean and the collision of Siberia, Kazakhstania, and eastern Laurussia. It has also been suggested that the tectonostratigraphy of Novaya Zemlya reflects responses to large-scale orogenies such as the Timanian, Caledonian, and Uralian orogenies, as well as to the “more localized” Pai-Khoi and Novaya Zemlya orogenies. The complex geodynamic and tectonostratigraphic evolution of Novaya Zemlya, as well as severe lack of data, have resulted in many speculations, assumptions, and conflicting interpretations. This study thoroughly reviews the tectonostratigraphic development of the archipelago and presents the main Novaya Zemlya interpretations, assumptions, arguments, and implications, all of which can be very valuable to future Arctic research. Because lack of Novaya Zemlya data remains substantial, this study briefly discusses the importance of analogue usage and suggests the Appalachian-Ouachita system as a potential tectonostratigraphic candidate. Although research challenges are significant, potential use of Novaya Zemlya's geology in prospecting for critical minerals (e.g., zinc), hydrocarbon exploration, and carbon sequestration has renewed interest in the archipelago. Consequently, there is much potential for future Novaya Zemlya research targeting topics such as geodynamic modelling, use of analogues, hydrocarbons, and economic resources.