Styles of neotectonic fault reactivation within a formerly extended continental margin, North West Shelf, Australia

Abstract

We have investigated the locations and patterns of neotectonic deformation in the Carnarvon basin along the Mesozoic rifted margin of Western Australia to evaluate the characteristics of post-Neogene tectonic reactivation. Geological, geophysical, geotechnical, and bathymetric data demonstrate that preferentially oriented rift-era structures have been reactivated under the current neotectonic stress regime. The most recent pulse of neotectonic reactivation initiated during the Plio-Pleistocene (4.0 to 1.8 million years ago) and is ongoing. Reactivated structures in the region demonstrate a variety of styles of deformation consistent with dextral-transpression. Structural styles include both positive and negative flower structures, restraining and releasing bends, and hourglass structures. Barrow Island lies within a broad kinematic restraining bend that appears to warp the MIS 5e marine terrace on the island. Fold reconstructions of Neogene strata on the Cape Range and Barrow anticlines yield uplift rates consistent with uplift rates determined from folded late Pleistocene units in the Cape region. Although tectonic rates are low compared to interplate settings, evidence for active tectonic deformation precludes this part of the Australian plate from being classified as a Stable Continental Region.