original_query: What is the geological history of the North Sea?
query: What is the geological history of the North Sea?
answer: The North Sea's geological history spans billions of years, starting with Precambrian formations interspersed with continental areas and oceans. Paleozoic orogenies like the Caledonian and Variscan shaped the region through continental collisions and mountain building. Mesozoic rifting and subsidence created the North Sea basin, with volcanic activity and sea-level changes impacting its structure. The Cenozoic era saw further tectonic activity and basin formation, leading to the North Sea we know today. Pleistocene glaciations significantly altered coastlines and submerged land.