Current tectonic models for the Scandinavian Caledonides indicate the Lofoten archipelago contains crust from the western edge of the Baltic craton that was deeply subducted during Silurian collisions with Laurentia, however few studies have addressed either the evidence for deep burial or the timing of such burial and exhumation. This project will follow new data that suggests that these rocks were buried to depths of 30km, but returned to the surface much more slowly and in distinct episodic events. In addition to the significance for Caledonia tectonics, this study will be relevant to the diverse fields of tectonic work to evaluate the relationship between the original thickness and structure of an orogen, the duration and processes of unroofing orogenic and thick continental crust and attenuation of lithosphere along an evolving continental margin.
