Stappen High-Bjørnøya tectono-sedimentary element, Barents Sea

Abstract The Stappen High-Bjornoya tectono-sedimentary element (TSE) is located in the western Barents Shelf and is one of the prominent tectonic elements in the area. The Stappen High comprises a shallow platform, and Bjornoya forms its highest point with exposed outcrops. Modern seismic reflection data of improved quality in the southern part of the TSE and vintage seismic data in the northern portion are utilised. Together with updated geological information at Bjornoya, the study provides insights into the Palaeozoic to early Cenozoic evolution of the Stappen High-Bjornoya TSE. In this context, we discuss structural inheritance, the rift development, and we account for confirmed and potential hydrocarbon systems and plays.