NEW GLOBAL TECTONICS: ITS EXPLORATION APPLICATION TO THE EASTERN SECTOR OF THE AUSTRALIAN PLATE

Abstract

The need of a session on Continental Drift and its relation to the search for hydrocarbons in the offshore areas of Australia and associated areas evolved from informal discussions with many geoscientists.

The search for hydrocarbons on the continental margins requires a team approach between geologist and geophysicist, co-operation and exchange of data between industry, government, institutional and university personnel. To properly appraise the potential of the continental margins, synthesis of all data from land areas, continental margins and ocean deeps will be required.

The history of the development of "Continental Drift" concepts is outlined from Wegener to the present. The principal concepts of the hypothesis of the New Global Tectonics are reveiwed. There are problems and objections to the hypothesis.

The evolution of the continental margins can be related to the New Global Tectonics. A model is presented for the margins of the Australian continent. This relates hydrographic discoveries to the early stages of Wilson's life cycle of ocean basins and also relates concepts of Bott and others to the stages of continental margin developments.

Exploratory offshore drilling in the eastern sector of the Australian Plate is reviewed. It is important that offshore exploration drilling be doubled if Australia is to attain a self-sufficient position in crude oil.

An outline is given of the areas to be discussed in the following papers of the symposium.