Metamorphic evolution of Australia

Metamorphic rocks provide a semi-continuous record of the thermal and barometric history of the crust, which is particularly useful in constraining paleo-crustal architectures, tectonic models and thereby mineral exploration. Given this importance, regional metamorphic studies in Australia have flourished during the past 30 years. However, the national metamorphic map of Australia has not been updated in more than 37 years. Here, we provide a snapshot of a national synthesis of all available quantitative metamorphic data, metamorphic chronology and metamorphic map patterns, integrated with stratigraphic, magmatic and kinematic datasets. Forty-eight orogenic cycles have been identified, spanning from the Paleoarchean to the Miocene, and most of permissible pressure (P) and temperature (T) space, indicating a wide variety of tectonic settings. This compilation provides a basis for establishing best-estimate working models for the metamorphic evolution of all orogenic systems, provinces and terranes. These insights are important in advancing the understanding of mineral systems in Australia.. Citation: Goscombe, B., Czarnota, K. Blewett, R.S. Skirrow, R.G. Everard, J.L. and Lawson, C., 2020. Metamorphic evolution of Australia. In: Czarnota, K., Roach, I., Abbott, S., Haynes, M., Kositcin, N., Ray, A. and Slatter, E. (eds.) Exploring for the Future: Extended Abstracts, Geoscience Australia, Canberra, 1–4.