The Geology of Australia

Most of the general books on Austrailian geology were written in the 1800s and early 1900s, and the popular classics by Charles Laseron, The Face of Australia and Ancient Australia, were published in the 1950s. A list of general books on the geology, soils and fossils of Austrailia is given at the end of Chapter 1.\ud It is time for a new summary of Australian geology, since so many new understandings have been generated in the last 50 years. This book is written basically in the order in which Australia formed, starting with the oldest rocks and\ud working towards the most recent events. In this way we build Australia block by block, episode by episode, and also trace the development of the Earth's climate and\ud life. The diagram at left shows the major events in Australian geological history.\ud Geological time is written as 'millions of years' for general statements and as 'Ma' (mega-anna) when measured accurate dates are given for particular events.\ud This book uses a minimum of scientific jargon, though it is impossible to bypass all technical words. Indeed, in coming to terms with the scientific basis for many of the decisions we make about managing the Australian environment\ud and commercial development we all need a smattering of technical knowledge. I have kept it to a minimum. Each technical term is explained in a geology primer (Chapter 2). Instead of a glossary, which merely defines the word using other technical terms, Chapter 2 briefly sets each in context. With respect to the sources of the data and theories summarised in this book, I have included the principal sources and other useful references at the end of each chapter, with a short list of websites.\ud Finally, this book is about the development of the Australian continent and the evolution of its major components and of the landscape in particular. Many of the\ud localities mentioned are listed in the index, so those travelling can understand and appreciate the underlying geology. The map (p.x) shows many of the main localities\ud referred to in this book.\ud However, it has not been possible to include details of the origin of our many world-class ores, coal and petroleum deposits, and of the economic geology which underpins so much of our quality of life - that will have to wait for another day