The significance of Tournaisian tectonism in the Dublin basin: Implications for basin evolution and zinc-lead mineralization in the Irish Midlands

Abstract

Recently acquired seismic reflection data, combined with detailed subsurface stratigraphic analysis (core analysis and gamma ray logs) reveal a new view of Lower Carboniferous stratigraphy and tectonism in Ireland. Seismic stratigraphic relationships and stratal thickness variations within Tournaisian units indicates that the Ballinalack High (and associated faulting) was produced by tectonism during the mid to late Tournaisian (Moathill Event, ~ 348 Ma). A second major tectonic event, dominated by regional subsidence (rather than faulting), occurred during the Lower Viséan (Tober Colleen Event, ~ 345 Ma). Each of these tectonic events was associated with major subsidence in the basin, produ..