Australia through time: a summary of its tectonic and metallogenic evolution

Abstract

The geological evolution of Australia is closely linked to supercontinent cycles that have characterised the tectonic evolution of Earth, with most geological and metallogenic events relating to supercontinent/supercraton assembly and breakup. Australia mainly grew from W-E, with two major Archean cratons, the Yilgarn and Pilbara cratons, forming the oldest part of the continent in the West Australian Element. The centre of the continent consists of the mainly Paleoproterozoic-Mesoproterozoic North and South Australian elements, whereas the E is dominated by the Neoproterozoic-Mesozoic Tasman Element. The West, North and South Australian elements initially assembled during the Paleoproterozoic amalgamation of Nuna, and the Tasman Element formed mostly as a Paleozoic accretionary margin during the assembly of Gondwana-Pangea. Australia's present position as a relatively stable continent resulted from the breakup of Gondwana. Australia is currently moving northward toward SE Asia, probably reflecting the earliest stages of the assembly of the next supercontinent, Amasia. Australia's resources, both mineral and energy, are linked to its tectonic evolution and the supercontinent cycle. Australia's most important Au province is the product of the assembly of Kenorland, whereas its major Zn-Pb-Ag deposits and iron oxide-Cu-Au deposits formed as Nuna broke up. The diverse metallogeny of the Tasman Element is a product of Pangea-Gondwana assembly and most of Australia's hydrocarbon resources are a consequence of the breakup of this supercontinent.