The Curie depth of Australia, and its uncertainty

Abstract

The Curie depth is the depth at which the crust or upper mantle ceases being magnetic due to temperature effects. Although there are several methods available to map this depth, magnetic methods are most often used. These methods, however, introduce uncertainty into the depth estimates and have not been adequately addressed in previous studies. In this study, we have used magnetic data, at multiple scales, in combination with Monte Carlo techniques to evaluate both the Curie depth and its uncertainty for the Australian continent. Variations in the Curie depth for Australia is related to differences in mineralogy and thermal regimes across differing provinces of Australia, and may also be used to further our knowledge of crustal geothermal gradients. Increasing our knowledge in these areas will advance our understanding of uranium, geothermal and hydrocarbon systems in Australia.