• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.534-543
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• 2012

The relationship between tectonic uplift and geophysical analysis of gravity anomalies and the in-situ stress fields in the Otway Ranges, SE Australia is addressed in this study to understand the nature and possible mechanism for the neotectonic movements. The uplift axis of the ranges is coincident with the regional Bouguer gravity highs whereas thick Tertiary sedimentary successions are highly correlated with the gravity lows along the basin rift geometry. This result suggests that the gravity highs are separated by the thick Tertiary sedimentary successions. Regional structural trends associated with faults and foldings of the deformed surfaces are consistent with the prevailing NW-SE $S_{Hmax}$ trend in this part of the continent. The anomalously positive correlation between topography and Bouguer gravity fields suggests possibly a lithospheric flexural deformation mode at a long wavelength (order of $10^2$ kms) in the region. It also suggests that the reactivation of pre-existing lithospheric structures driven by plate boundary forces plays a key role in this mode.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
• /
• v.33 no.6
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• pp.519-533
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• 2012

This study investigates a neotectonic context of the past 5 Ma for the Otway Ranges along the southern Victoria coast, SE Australia by evaluating the distribution and development of marine terraces along the mountainous coastal area. Uplift rate derived from low terrace deposits using OSL dating method is determined to evaluate the extent to which mild intraplate tectonism has the capability to influence the geomorphic evolution of continental interiors. This study also investigates the stratigraphic relationship between Quaternary marine terraces and Pliocene strandlines, which suggests a change of tectonic activity in the Late Neogene. The intensified tectonic response is well addressed in terms of an increase of the Australian intraplate stress level due to the change of relative motion and increased forces in the boundary between the Australian and Pacific plate.