Buried inset-valleys in the eastern Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia: Geomorphology, age, and allogenic control

Abstract

A contributory network of narrow, fluvially incised valleys filled with a distinctive sequence of Tertiary continental to shallow marine sediments is widespread throughout the eastern Yilgarn Craton in southwestern Australia. Previously referred to as "deep leads," or "paleochannels," these are herein termed "inset-valleys" to more accurately reflect their geomorphic expression and emphasize their subordinate and entrenched position with the bedrock surface of a much broader and older system of "primary valleys." Owing to minimal denudation and tectonic deformation during the Late Cenozoic, the inset-valleys are excellently preserved and can be readily traced in boreholes and open-cut mines ..