Some gravity models of the continental margin in the Australian region

Abstract

Most gravity models of the continental margin in the Australian region have been computed using data from the Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR) Continental Margin Survey (Willcox, 1974; Petkovic, 1975; Connelly, 1976; Willcox, 1976; Exon & Willcox, in prep.; Stagg & Exon; in prep.). Exceptions are models of the Queensland Plateau and Great Australian Bight regions computed by Taylor & Falvey (1977) and Talwani & Mutter (in prep.) which were based on data from Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory. The aforementioned gravity models fall into three categories: those based on 'Bouguer slab' approximation (Bismarck Sea and Great Australian Bight examples given in this text); those with extensive seismic reflection and magnetic basement control (Exmouth Plateau examples); and those controlled extensively by seismic refraction data (Talwani & Mutter, op. cit. and to a lesser extent Taylor & Falvey, op. cit).