Geology of Svalbard

The geological exploration of Svalbard is an ongoing activity, and recent understandings may differ from earlier interpretations.

Geological basement dated from Precambrian, Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian, originally termed Hecla Hoek,[1] is found in three different provinces.

Triassic rocks are found at the southern part of Spitsbergen, at Edgeøya, Barentsøya and Kong Karls Land.

[6] Jurassic, Cretaceous and Cenozoic rocks are exposed in the middle southern part of Spitsbergen.

[7] The post-glacial rebound is estimated to be up to three kilometers in central Spitsbergen, while only a few hundred meters at Kong Karls Land.