Geophysical characterization of late-Quaternary glaciofluvial complex and glacial stratigraphy in the Satakunta sandstone area, Köyliö, southwest Finland

Abstract

We acquired high-resolution reflection seismic data using a broadband digital-based landstreamer system to characterize a depression related to the Mesoproterozoic (Jothnian) Satakunta sandstone basin in the Köyliö study area, southwest Finland. This ca. 800-m-wide depression is infilled with up to 100-m-thick (late) Quaternary interlobate glaciofluvial complex sediments. The seismic images clearly reveal details of the glaciofluvial complex, sandstone depression topography, and brittle structures related to the formation of the sandstone basin by oblique transtension. Additionally, we identified the setting of a diabase laccolith within the sandstone and the geometry and position of the steep sandstone contact. The esker core does not follow the sandstone-Svecofennian basement rock contact or lean to it. The esker core is at a depth of 50–60 m on the flank of the depression. The seismic data image the esker core and other architectural elements of the esker. We highlight the potential of the digital-based landstreamer in the research of complex Quaternary sediments in major bedrock depressions including the characterization of the underlying bedrock properties. We also discuss the possible tunnel valley origin of the sandstone depression.