Wed 31st October @ noon, Rm 312.222

Abstract:

Sedimentary basins are sensitive recorders of both tectonic and surface processes, and generate relatively strong geophysical signals. As such they can be used to help to define past tectonic processes in regions of poor exposure, for example beneath the ice-sheets of Antarctica. Here we analyse some of the sedimentary basins of eastern Wilkes Land, which in geological terms can be considered part of Australo-Antarctica.  Geophysical modelling, erosion modelling and landscape restoration methods are employed, seeking to better understand their original geometry, formation process, and subsequent erosion.  From this, several distinct basins (and sub-basins) are defined each of which has a different inferred style of formation and erosive history. New geochronological constraints allow some inferences to be made as to the age of the sedimentary rocks, and so further constrains the tectonic setting of their formation, as well as providing further knowledge on Gondwanan geology.  Our erosion mapping also provide a strong indication of past ice sheet configurations and processes and helps to understand offshore depositional sites.

Short bio:

 Alan Aitken comes from Edinburgh (in Scotland), and came the long way around to Perth to take up a position at the UWA, where he has been employed as Goodeve Lecturer in Geophysics since 2012.  His research encompasses a wide range of topics and scales, but can be summarised as the use of geophysics to resolve the importance of earth processes to society as controlling factors for natural resources and environmental change, in particular through the use of gravity and magnetic methods to understand buried geology. He teaches widely across the UWA geosciences curriculum, and administers the Geology Honours and Master of Geoscience courses.