Crustal structure and tectonic model of the Arctic region

We present a series of maps for the Circumpolar Arctic which include maps of the depth to Moho and thickness of the sedimentary cover and presents tectonic regionalization based on 18 major crustal types (oceanic, transitional, and continental) recognized in the Arctic. A 7600 km-long crustal geotransect across the region illustrates the details of its crustal and tectonic structure. We discuss geological, geophysical and geochemical datasets on which the new regional model is based. These include magnetic and gravity maps of the Circumpolar Arctic and a wide range of existing and recently acquired bathymetric, geophysical (including seismic), geological, isotope and geochronological data (illustrated by new age data for seabed and bedrock samples from the New Siberian Islands). The analysis of these data in the framework of regional tectonic evolution allows for correlating onshore and offshore lithospheric fragments and for recognizing regions with oceanic, transitional, and continental crust in the Circumpolar Arctic.