EXPLORATION IN THE ARAFURA SEA

Abstract

Geophysical exploration and drilling have delineated four major geological elements in the Arafura Sea. A stable block of relatively thin, seaward dipping Mesozoic and Cenozoic strata is separated by a Mesozoic structural and stratigraphic hinge zone from a mobile block of much thicker sediments. Gentle folding disturbs the Lower Cretaceous strata in the mobile block and along the hinge zone, but has little effect on the overlying Tertiary sediments. A strongly folded and faulted pre-Mesozoic graben is the dominant structural element in the stable block.