Classical provenance study techniques will be extended using Ar-Ar dating of individual detrital micas to examine the link between source uplift, erosion and sediment supply in the pivotal area west of Shetland. The work has economic significance in that it places constraints on the location of sediment entry points, intrabasinal sand body distribution, and reservoir quality, all issues of importance to the hydrocarbon industry. This scoping study is intended to test the combination of techniques in an area where the source is well characterised, and may form an analogue for rifting between Africa and South America. The importance of the work in the area is reflected by the industry backing for this project.