Authors / CoAuthors
Korsch, R.J.
Abstract
Currently, many conflicting plate reconstructions and tectonic models have been proposed for the Proterozoic evolution of Australia. Geophysical data, including potential field (gravity and magnetic) and deep seismic reflection profiles can be used to help constrain these models. Potential field images of the continent show distinct changes in the orientations of geophysical trends; defining key boundaries, some of which have been interpreted to represent the locations of ancient plate boundaries. Deep seismic reflection profiles now cross many of the Proterozoic provinces in Australia, and can be used to define the locations of the boundaries between adjacent provinces. In north Queensland, a suture defining the eastern limit of the Mount Isa Province and a fossil subduction zone farther to the east have been imaged. In southern Australia, in the Gawler-Curnamona region, three sutures separating discrete pieces of crust have been imaged, suggesting eastward growth of this region during the Proterozoic. In central Australia, at least five sutures are recognised, implying the accretion of continental slivers before final amalgamation between the North Australian Craton and the South Australian Craton. In Western Australia, three probable sutures suggest progressive accretion of continental slivers onto the southern margin of the Pilbara Craton to build the West Australian Craton. In summary, interpretations of the deep seismic reflection profiles used in conjunction with potential field images are providing constraints on the three dimensional architecture of Australia, including the locations of ancient plate boundaries, which will help to constrain tectonic models and plate reconstructions for the evolution of Proterozoic Australia.
Product Type
nonGeographicDataset
eCat Id
73495
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Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
Canberra
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2601
Australia
Keywords
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- External Publication
- ( Theme )
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- seismic sections
- ( Theme )
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- structural geology
- ( Theme )
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- geodynamics
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
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- Earth Sciences
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- Published_Internal
Publication Date
2012-02-15T00:00:00
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