The origin and evolution of Australia's eastern highlands

Abstract

The eastern Australian highlands (Great Dividing Range), incorporating the "continental divide," date back to at least the late Mesozoic. The vast majority of field evidence suggests that, apart from denudation, they have changed little in general morphological character since that time. Drainage disruption appears not to have been widespread and should not be automatically assumed to be the cause of variations in aquatic species between streams draining either side of the continental divide. Indeed, evidence in northeastern Queensland suggests that the continental divide has remained stationary since 180 MYA. Apart from the possible negating effects of global climate changes, the geomorphological setting provided by the eastern Australian highlands has been conducive for the growth of forests since at least the close of the Mesozoic. This is particularly so for rainforests, especially where the alignment of this mountain range enhances orographic uplift of moist, humid air masses.