Publication Name: The Sedimentary Basins of WA
Authors: A.J. Mory and R.P. Iasky
Publication Volume: 1
Date Published: July 1994
Number of Pages: 20
Reference Type: Book Section
Abstract:
Analysis of fault trends from seismic, and aeromagnetic and gravity images, shows that the onshore northern Perth Basin has a complex tectonic history. Two major phases of tectonism are recognised:1) extension in a northerly direction in the Permian resulted in east-west normal faults, and implies sinistral strike-slip along the Darling Fault. This phase of extension possibly continued into the Triassic;
2) the breakup of Greater India from Australia in the Early Cretaceous, as a result of dextral transtension with extension to approximately 255 degrees, produced normal faults striking 345 degrees. Sinistral movement on transfer faults oriented at 300 degrees in the onshore northern Perth Basin implies that the region to the north, underlain by the West Australian Craton, has acted as a -stationary fault block during breakup.