Structural and tectonic framework of the Onshore Northern Perth Basin

Abstract

Analyses of fault trends and aeromagnetic images, together with burial history modelling, show that the onshore northern Perth Basin has a complex tectonic history. Three major phases of tectonism are recognised. 1) Extension in a direction of 005° in the Late Permian that resulted in normal faults striking 275°, and sinistral strike-slip along the Darling Fault. 2) Extension in a direction of 355° in the Jurassic resulted in the onset of rifting which produced normal faults striking 265° and sinistral strike-slip on transcurrent faults oriented at 310°. 3) The break-up of Greater India from Australia in the Early Cretaceous and the resultant extension direction of 255° produced normal faults striking 345°, and dextral strike-slip along transcurrent faults oriented at 300°.