Lithospheric extension is a spatially inhomogeneous process, in many cases associated with detachment faults of regional dimensions and accompanied by development and filling of intra- cratonic basins. This project is designed to test predictions of a general model for lithospheric extension using an integrated geological and geophysical study of the Canning Basin, north- western Australia. Utilizing data from an active Australian BMR project, this study will construct cross sections of the basin from seismic data, undertake subsidence analysis to estimate tectonic and sediment loading subsidence during both the syn-rift and post-rift phases of basin development and will use gravity data to constrain the applicability of the general model. Results are expected to provide a quantitative test of some currently qualitative ideas about the role detachments within extending lithosphere and the subsidence mechanisms in intra- cratnonic basins.
