Evolution of Neoarchaean and Proterozoic basins of Australia

This study correlates basin initiation, sedimentation and major tectonic events on an Australia-wide scale, over the Neoarchaean and Proterozoic. An interpretation of a depth-to-basement surface and faults, based on magnetic and gravity data, was calibrated with limited well data, magnetic depth models, geological maps and depth data from cross-sections and literature. Tectonic events are correlated to basin formation and deposition of basin units. Event maps show the interpreted active faults. A principal stress direction has been assigned to basin-forming tectonic events. The results of this study can be used as a kinematic, stratigraphic and temporal framework to examine the development of individual basins and the regional influence of tectonic events.Tectonic events are grouped into four major time intervals: the Neoarchaean and early Palaeoproterozoic (∼2775–2000 Ma), the mid-late Palaeoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic (∼2000–1400 Ma), the mid-late Mesoproterozoic (∼1400–1000 Ma) and the Neoproterozoic (∼1000–570 Ma). During the Neoarchaean and early Palaeoproterozoic, basins formed along the southern Pilbara and the northern Yilgarn margins, mainly in response to differential movements between these and other Archaean Cratons. Events in the mid-late Palaeoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic were related to the assembly and subsequent intracontinental extension of the Australian continent. Mid-late Mesoproterozoic events were due to interactions between Australia and other continents during assembly of the supercontinent Rodinia. Preservation of sediments from this time period is limited. Neoproterozoic basin-forming events mainly related to the break-up of Rodinia, and led to the formation of the Centralian Superbasin. Sedimentation in this basin was terminated at the end of the Neoproterozoic due to compression associated with the amalgamation of the Gondwana Supercontinent.