West Musgrave Province project

The Musgrave Province is important for understanding the geological evolution of Proterozoic Australia. The region lies at the junction between the North, West, and South Australian Cratons in central Australia and extends across the borders of Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. The rocks in this region have a long and complex geological history. They formed during several major events, including the 1345–1293 Ma Mount West Orogeny, the 1219–1149 Ma Musgrave Orogeny, and the 1085–1030 Ma Giles Event. During the 630–520 Ma Petermann Orogeny, the rocks underwent widespread deformation.

From 2003 to 2014, the mapping team completed detailed geological mapping at a scale of 1:100 000 and 1:250 000. High-quality rock chemistry (lithogeochemical), isotopic, and geochronological data were also collected.

Geophysical data, including aeromagnetic and gravity surveys, deep seismic reflection, and magnetotelluric (MT) surveys, were used to image the Earth’s crust and upper mantle in the region. These data have greatly improved our understanding of the Musgrave Province.

Publications from this project can be found through the DEMIRS eBookshop and academic journals. The West Musgrave 2019 Geological Information Series contains the latest digital data.

This work was supported and facilitated by local Traditional Owners and the Ngaanyatjarra Council.

Published data on the West Musgrave Province

A selection of data available for download, further publications can be found through the DEMIRS eBookshop and academic journals.