The in situ stress field of the Perth Basin, Australia

Abstract

<jats:p>A total of 17 wells in the Perth Basin were interpreted to have 114 breakouts covering a combined length of 3.2 km and a mean σ<jats:sub>Hmax</jats:sub> orientation of 108°N. The inferred mean orientation of σ<jats:sub>Hmax</jats:sub> in the Perth Basin is broadly consistent with that in the adjacent basement, Yilgarn Block. The new data confirm that σ<jats:sub>Hmax</jats:sub> orientation in the region is consistent with other stress indicators, different depths and different geological provinces. The new data also confirm that the orientation of σ<jats:sub>Hmax</jats:sub> does not parallel the NNE direction of absolute plate velocity. Anomalous north‐south σ<jats:sub>Hmax</jats:sub> orientations identified in a number of wells in the Perth Basin can be attributed to local structural effects.</jats:p>