Crustal constraints on the evolution of the continental divide of eastern Australia

Abstract

The continental drainage divide of eastern Australia follows major negative Bouguer gravity anomalies for more than 3000 km. This relation indicates that there have been major crustal constraints on the evolution of the divide and that traditional explanations that were couched in terms only of stream capture or diversion during successive cycles of erosion are no longer tenable. Comparable evidence from elsewhere in Australia and the Appalachians of the United States suggests that many apparent anomalies in large-scale drainage patterns may be attributable to long-lasting or resurgent crustal influences.