Abstract The Nordland area in northern Norway is the seismically most active area on mainland Fennoscandia. It exhibits patterns of coastal extension, which contrasts with the first-order regional stress pattern that reflects compression aligned with the North Atlantic ridge push. The regional stress field has been considered to emanate from the interaction of ridge push and glacial isostatic adjustment; while the local stress pattern can be additionally influenced by gravitational, topographic stresses, as well as the flexural effects of erosion and sediment deposition. We employ finite element numerical models at a crustal scale to study the 3D stress field, using existing geometric constraints from previous geophysical studies. Internal body forces, induced by variations in density, topography or Moho depth, already yield significant deviatoric stresses. In the models tested, these can strongly influence the near-surface stress regime, in particular for the continental margin setting we are investigating. In addition, redistribution of rock mass, which occurred mainly under Pleistocene glaciation, can modify the stress field significantly on a semi-regional scale. We consider this process to be the main driver for the coastal extension, in particular in areas where erosion has been high.

Abstract This is a guide to the key exposures of the Bowland Shale Formation present within the Craven and Edale basins of England, providing contrasting settings from respectively the northern and southern parts of the Craven Group extent. It provides a description of the evolution of the deposition of the hemipelagic mudstone-dominated components of the Craven Group during the Visean to early Namurian (Mississippian to early Pennsylvanian). It explains the significance of the chosen localities in understanding the development of the Bowland Shale Formation and gives details on the sections visible at the time of compilation, providing useful guidance for field visits.

Abstract Results from geological mapping within the MAREANO (Marine Areal Database for Norwegian Coasts and Sea Areas) programme and mapping projects in the coastal zone reveal a rich and diverse seafloor in Norwegian territories. The geomorphology and sediment distribution patterns reflect a complex geological history, as well as various modern-day hydrodynamic processes. By early 2019, MAREANO has mapped more than 200 000 km 2 (c. 10%) of Norwegian offshore areas, spanning environmental gradients from shallow water to more than 3000 m depth, with ocean currents in places exceeding 1 m s −1 and water temperatures below −1°C. Inshore, along the 100 000 km-long Norwegian coastline, the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) has conducted a series of seabed mapping projects in collaboration with local communities, industry and other stakeholders, resulting in detailed seabed and thematic maps of seabed properties covering c. 10 000 km 2 (11% of the areas). Bathymetric and geological maps produced by MAREANO and coastal mapping projects provide the foundation for benthic habitat mapping when combined with biological and oceanographic data. Results from the mapping conducted over the past decade have significantly increased our understanding of Norway's seabed and contributed to the knowledge base for sustainable management. Here we summarize the main results of these mapping efforts.