AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Preliminary deep-sea sampling results, RV Sonne geological cruises off Western Australia in 1979

A six-week geological cruise of the West German research vesselSonne, under the auspices of the Australian-German Science Agreement, hasyielded a considerable amount of information about the Exmouth Plateau, theWallaby Plateau, and the intervening Cuvier Abyssal Plain. The main aim ofthe cruise was to sample pre-Quaternary strata cropping out on the plateaumargins; subsidiary aims were to sample the Quaternary sequence from conti-nental shelf to abyssal plain on two representative profiles, to obtainQuaternary cores for gas analysis, and to search for manganese modules. Allfour aims Were successfully accomplished.

During the cruise 31 single-channel seismic profiles were run tohelp select sampling targets. On the Exmouth Plateau and adjacent areas 102stations were successfully occupied, 31 yielding pre-Quaternary rocks. On the Wallaby Plateau and adjacent areas 18 stations were successfully occupied,13 yielding pre-Quaternary rocks. Samples were obtained from depths rangingfrom 100 m to 5200 m.

The sampling of pre-Quaternary strata has shed new light on thearea, On the northern Exmouth Plateau thick sequences of Early Jurassicshelf carbonates and Middle Jurassic coal measures were found beneath themain (?Late Jurassic) unconformity. Cretaceous shelf and pelagic sedimentswere also shown to exist. Above the main unconformity there is a condensedsequence of Cainozoic pelagic carbonates. On the northern margin of theWombat Plateau there is a volcanic sequence at least 300 m thick beneaththe main unconformity. On the northwestern Exmouth Plateau Albian andMiocene carbonates were sampled. On the southern margin results were disa-ppointing, but Mesozoic sandstone and shale and Tertiary pelagic carbonateswere sampled.

The layered sequence below the main (?Neocomian) unconformity,both on the eastern Wallaby Plateau and on the "Sonne Ridge", which extends northward from the plateau into the Cuvier Abyssal Plain, was shown to consistof interbedded weathered "basalts", tuffs, breccias, and volcaniclasticsediments. This suggests that a thick volcanic pile of Early Cretaceous ageforms much of the Wallaby Plateau.

A variety of Quaternary cores, almost all of biogenic carbonates,were obtained on profiles from Rowley Shoals to the Argo Abyssal Plain, andfrom southwest of Barrow Island to the Cuvier Abyssal Plain. Quaternarycores in the central Exmouth Plateau were sampled for gas analysis; pre-liminary results indicate that methane is generally present, but in verylow amounts. Manganese nodules were obtained from the southern and easternmargins of the Wallaby Plateau, and preliminary determinations of contentsof nickel and copper suggest that they are above Indian Ocean averages, butwell below a grade of economic interest.

Tags: AU-WA, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, marine, marine survey
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Deep Structure of the Browse Basin Region, North West Shelf Australia: Cruise Proposal

The Browse Basin underlies the outer shelf and upper slope of the central part of Australia'sNorth West Shelf, in water depths of 100-1000 m. Although the North West Shelf is generallyconsidered to be one of Australia's most heavily explored offshore regions, there aresignificant portions of it, such as the offshore Canning and Browse Basins, that remain under-explored. Relatively little is known of the primary structural architecture of the basin systemsof the North West Shelf, and the influence of that architecture on the occurrence ofhydrocarbons. The Browse Basin study (AGSO Project 121.28 - Basin development andhydrocarbon potential of the Browse Basin and adjacent margin) is part of a major AGSOregional research program over the north western Australian margin, and has the following main objectives:
1) Determine the regional structural framework of the Browse Basin and its relationship toadjacent features such as the Vulcan Sub-basin, Rowley Sub-basin, Scott Plateau andKimberley Block;
2) Define the broad deep-crustal structure of the region and develop a model explaining the
tectonic, subsidence and thermal history of the basin in relation to the development of thecontinental margin and adjacent ocean basin (the Argo Abyssal Plain);
3) Assess the effects of deep structure and reactivation on the development of knownpetroleum accumulations.

To address these objectives it is proposed that RV Rig Seismic be used to acquire about 3200km (up to a maximum of 3600 km depending on contingencies) of deep seismic and othergeophysical data along 11 lines tying 18 exploration wells in the Browse Basin/Scott Plateauregion. The survey will also tie into the 1990 Vulcan Sub-basin survey (98) to the northeast,and the forthcoming survey over the offshore Canning Basin to the southwest.

In line with the Marine Geoscience and Petroleum Geology Program's (MGPGP's) most recentdeep seismic surveys over the North West Shelf, the Browse Basin survey will use a 4800 mstreamer, configured with 192 x 25 m active groups; data will be recorded with a 16 secondrecord length, and a 2 millisecond sample interval; the seismic source will be dual airgunarrays with a total capacity of 49 litres, and will be fired every 50 metres to give 48-fold CDPcoverage; and navigation will be by differential GPS. These parameters are the same as usedon two surveys over the northern Carnarvon Basin (SNOWS-1 and SNOWS-2) and threesurveys over the Bonaparte Basin - Timor Sea, and will also be used on the SNOWS-3 surveyover the offshore Canning Basin, following the Browse survey. Using these parametersAGSO has consistently recorded reflections down to 8-12 seconds two-way time (12-20 kmdepth), as well as obtaining good resolution in the upper 6 seconds of data, which is normallythe limit recorded by industry.

Tags: Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, marine, structural geology
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
BMR Research Newsletter 7

Titles in this newsletter:
Thermogenic gases in the offshore Otway Basin and western Tasmania margin 
Applied Extension Tectonics 1987 BMR Research Symposium, 24-26 November, Canberra 
Government Geoscience Database Policy Advisory Committee (GGDPAC) 
Seabed sampling off southeast Australia 
Geochemical research cruise off northern NSW finds evidence for new mechanism of marine phosphorite formation 
North Perth Basin project 
Recent publications and data releases 
More power to the Marine Division: RV Rig Seismic's seismic source upgraded 
Thick-skinned tectonics in central Australia: Deep seismic results from a multidisciplinary study 
New Hydrogeological Map of Australia 
Thrust sheets in the northeastern Amadeus Basin, NT: stratigraphic repetition enhances hydrocarbon prospects 
New model for evolution of Amadeus Basin 
Book review: Recent advances in understanding Precambrian gold deposits, edited by S.E. Ho &amp; D.I. Groves 
Chemical modelling of ore fluids: the CSIRO-SGTE THERMODATA programs established at BMR 
Extensional tectonics in the Tumut Trough 
BMR completes study of hydrocarbon prospectivity of the Middle Proterozoic McArthur Basin 
McArthur Basin Bulletin released 
Seismic survey provides new information on eastern margin of Surat Basin, Qld 
Palaeogeographic Maps project: drawing to a close as a successor waits in the wings 
Googong Dam and the Upper Naas Valley earthquake of 4 April 1987 
Cadoux earthquake, 7 March 1987

Tags: Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Research Newsletter
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Australia's Seabed Map 2023

The map and underlying digital dataset provide national and regional-scale context for a wider variety of applications, including offshore industries, area-based environmental management, scientific research and public education.  

Australia’s Seabed Map is based on the revised AusBathyTopo 250m (Australia) 2023 grid (Beaman, 2023), the most comprehensive, continental-scale compilation of bathymetry data in the Australian region.  

The map extends across a vast area from 92°E to 172° E and 8°S to 60° S. This includes areas adjacent to the Australian continent and Tasmania, and surrounding Macquarie Island and the Australian Territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Australia's marine jurisdiction offshore from the territory of Heard and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory are not included. 

The new map provides a complete three-dimensional picture of the seafloor and is a significant improvement since it was last revised in 2009. In particular, the map incorporates new innovations such as the use of earth observation data (satellite based) produced by Digital Earth Australia to improve coastline definition and present a seamless transition between land and sea. The data is compiled from 1582 individual surveys using multibeam echosounders, single-beam echosounders, LiDAR, or 3D seismic first returns, as well as higher-resolution regional compilations, and other source data including Electronic Navigation Charts and satellite derived bathymetry. The new map represents decades of data collection, analysis, investment and collaboration from Australia’s seabed mapping community.  

The 250 m resolution is only supported where direct bathymetric observations are sufficiently dense (e.g. where swath bathymetry data or digitised chart data exist). In many regions, this 250 m grid size is far in excess of the optimal grid size for some of the input data used. 

The AusBathyTopo250m grid and higher-resolution regional datasets are available on the AusSeabed Marine Data Portal as the AusBathyTopo Series.  

This map is not suitable for use as an aid to navigation, or to replace any products produced by the Australian Hydrographic Office. 

Medium: Digital PDF download.

Tags: 1 : 250, 000, Bathymetry, Depth, EARTH SCIENCES, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT, Earth Science | Oceans | Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography | Bathymetry, OCEANOGRAPHY, Published_External, Seabed mapping, Seafloor map, Topography
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
RETIRED - National Petroleum Wells Database

RETIRED - This record has been superseded by eCat 126310 as advised by M. Webster 16 June 2023.
The National Petroleum Wells Database has now been combined with the Geoscience Australia Borehole Database (BOREHOLE).

The Petroleum Wells Online Tool is no longer available for use. The same data can be accessed through the Geoscience Australia Portal. Simply select the Layers button to find the Borehole data available to view and query. If you are having trouble, please follow the help. 
For general inquiries, please email client services.

This application provides access to GA's Oracle petroleum wells databases. Data themes include header data, biostratigraphy, organic geochemistry, reservoir and facies, stratigraphy, velocity and directional surveys.  Data is included for offshore and onshore regions. Scientific data entry is generally only conducted for offshore wells. Onshore data is generally acquired from state geological surveys.

Tags: AU, National dataset, Petroleum Data, Petroleum and Coal Geology, Published_External, Wells, marine, petroleum exploration, petroleum reserves
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Upwelling Frequency Data of the South-eastern Coast of Australia

This GIS data layer shows the frequency of coastal upwelling along the south-eastern coast of Australia. The higher data values indicate areas of persistent and semi-persistent upwelling; while, the medium data values indicate areas of seasonal upwelling. The data was generated using 14 years of monthly MODIS SST data. Please refer to this publication: "Huang, Z., &amp; Wang, X.H. (2019). Mapping the spatial and temporal variability of the upwelling systems of the Australian south-eastern coast using 14-year of MODIS data. Remote Sensing of Environment, 227, 90-109" (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2019.04.002) for details of the MODIS data and the upwelling mapping method.

Tags: EARTH SCIENCES, MODIS, OCEANOGRAPHY, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Published_External, South-east Australia, Upwelling
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Rig Seismic Geophysical and Geological Research Cruise off Western and Southeastern Tasmania

R/V Rig Seismic carried out Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR) research cruise 78 on the Tasmanian margin from 24 March to 18 April, 1988. The first half of the cruise was devoted to multichannel seismic surveying - 1750 km on the west Tasmanian margin and 265 km off southeast Tasmania. The west Tasmanian seismic survey examined the King Island and Strahan Sub-basins of the Sorell Basin, tested the structure of the continental margin from the continental shelf to undoubted oceaniccrust, and provided a key seismic tie through the thick sedimentary basin on the west Tasmanian continental slope. The southeast Tasmanian seismic survey examined the Palaeozoic sequences near Bruny Island on which oil seeps are known.

The latter half of the cruise was devoted to geological sampling on the west Tasmanian margin. Twelve stations were designed to sample basement and older outcropping sequences (Mesozoic and Palaeogene) to provide control for seismic interpretation. Younger sequences were cored at 37 stations in order firstly, to establish amodel for Cainozoic sedimentation, and secondly, to allow the analysis of surface sediments to define areas of anomalous concentrations of thermogenic gas. Near-surface thermal gradient and thermal conductivity were measured at 10 stations as a means of establishing thermal flux.

The work will enable us to better define the geology of the basins, and especially their history of rifting, their stratigraphy, and their petroleum potential.

Tags: AU-TAS, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, geology, geophysics, marine, marine survey
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Nutrient dynamics and pelagic primary production in coastal creeks delivering into Keppel Bay

This report describes the investigations into the coastal creek system conducted within the Fitzroy agricultural contaminants project. Before this work started there had been only a limited data acquisition on the water quality parameters in several of the coastal creeks carried out by the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These data are a valuable augmentation to the data collected under Coastal CRC auspices. We briefly outline the consolidated dataset, draw qualitative conclusions from it, and develop a conceptual model reflecting the interacting processes. These analyses are then the starting point for the development of a quantitative characterisation of the role of the coastal creeks in the biogeochemistry of Keppel Bay.

Tags: AU-QLD, Earth Sciences, External Publication, Published_External, Report, coasts, geochemistry, marine
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Data package – Darwin Harbour Habitat Mapping Program, Northern Territory

Geoscience Australia (GA), the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources within the Northern Territory Government (DENR) undertook collaborative seabed mapping surveys (GA0351/SOL6187, GA4452/SOL6432 and combined GA0361 &amp; GA0362) in the Darwin-Bynoe Harbour region between 2015 and 2018. This seabed mapping project forms a core component of a four-year collaborative research program between DENR, GA and AIMS, which was funded by the INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG Project to DENR, with co-investment by GA and AIMS. The purpose of the program is to improve knowledge of the marine environments in the Darwin and Bynoe Harbour regions through the collation and acquisition of baseline data that enable the creation of habitat maps to better inform marine resource management decisions. Mapping and sampling in the survey area utilised multibeam echosounders, sub-bottom profilers, underwater cameras and grab samplers. In total, this data package extends over an area of 1978 km2, including 1754 km2 mapped using multibeam echosounders, during four marine surveys over 247 days. The baseline environmental data acquired in this program provides new insights into the marine environments of the Greater Darwin and Bynoe Harbour region, will inform future environmental assessments in the region and help build our knowledge of seabed features and processes in tropical northern Australia.

Tags: Bathymetry, Data Package, Published_External, collection, geochemistry, marine biodiversity, marine environmental baselines, sedimentology
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Classification of the Australian Continental Shelf Based on Predicted Sediment Threshold Exceedance from Tidal Currents and Swell Waves

Estimates of significant wave height and period, together with tidal current speed over a semi-lunar cycle, were used to predict the area on the Australian continental shelf over which unconsolidated sediment was mobilised (threshold exceedance). These sediment-entraining processes were examined independently to quantify their relative importance on the continental shelf.

Tags: AU, Earth Sciences, External Publication, Published_External, Scientific Journal Paper, marine
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Report on Cockburn Sound Field Survey March 2004: Coastal Water Habitat Mapping Project - Coastal Geomorphology and Classification Subproject Milestone Report CG3-02

This report describes the field survey carried out in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia by Geoscience Australia (GA) staff for the Coastal Geomorphology and Classification Subproject (CG) of the Coastal Water Habitat Mapping Project (CWHM). It documents the various sampling techniques and procedures used to collect surface and subsurface samples from the Sound; details of the vibracores and grab samples recovered and the proposed analyses to be performed on these samples.

The results of the analysis of the grab samples will be used to classify the various surface sediment types encountered as well as map their distribution within Cockburn Sound. The analysis and interpretation of the vibracores will allow the reconstruction of the stratigraphic framework of Cockburn Sound. This information will be used in conjunction with the findings of the other subprojects in the CWHM Project. For example, it will assist in ground-truthing the results of the both the single and multi-beam sonar surveys that have and are to be carried out within Cockburn Sound by Curtin University. It will also provide key substrate information for incorporation into a more comprehensive benthic habitat classification for the sound.

Tags: AU-WA, Earth Sciences, External Publication, Published_External, Report, geomorphology, marine
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Antarctic Fur Seal dive data

To quantify the winter diving behaviour and vertical habitat use of adult female Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) we tracked females using Wildlife Computers Time-Depth Recorders (TDRs). Females were captured towards the end of the lactation period (March/April) and the TDR was attached dorsally to the fur approximately 10 cm anterior to the rump using a two-part epoxy. TDRs were retrieved just prior to or after giving birth the following season. Data files were extracted from the tags using the Wildlife Computers software Instrument Helper.

Tags: Behavioural Ecology, Depth, Light level, Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology), Time-Depth Recorder (TDR), Wildlife and Habitat Management, animal behaviour, biotelemetry, marine predator, otariid, pinniped, tracking
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Extractable element data for surface seabed sediments in Jervis Bay, NSW (August 2008 and February 2009)

Geoscience Australia carried out marine surveys in Jervis Bay (NSW) in 2007, 2008 and 2009 (GA303, GA305, GA309, GA312) to map seabed bathymetry and characterise benthic environments through colocated sampling of surface sediments (for textural and biogeochemical analysis) and infauna, observation of benthic habitats using underwater towed video and stills photography, and measurement of ocean tides and wavegenerated currents. Data and samples were acquired using the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Research Vessel Kimbla. Bathymetric mapping, sampling and tide/wave measurement were concentrated in a 3x5 km survey grid (named Darling Road Grid, DRG) within the southern part of the Jervis Bay, incorporating the bay entrance. Additional sampling and stills photography plus bathymetric mapping along transits was undertaken at representative habitat types outside the DRG. This 81 sample dataset comprises acidextractable concentrations of trace elements (Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ge, As, Cd and Pb) in surface seabed sediments (~0 to 2 cm) from Jervis Bay. This dataset is a contribution to the CERF Marine Biodiversity Hub.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Bynoe Harbour Habitat Mapping Survey 2016: Results of sediment oxygen demand experiments

This resource contains surface sediment data for Bynoe Harbour collected by Geoscience Australia (GA), the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and Department of Land Resource Management (Northern Territory Government) during the period from 2-29 May 2016 on the RV Solander (survey SOL6432/GA4452). This project was made possible through offset funds provided by INPEX-led Ichthys LNG Project to Northern Territory Government Department of Land Resource Management, and co-investment from Geoscience Australia and Australian Institute of Marine Science. The intent of this four year (2014-2018) program is to improve knowledge of the marine environments in the Darwin and Bynoe Harbour regions by collating and collecting baseline data that enable the creation of thematic habitat maps that underpin marine resource management decisions. The specific objectives of the survey were to: 1. Obtain high resolution geophysical (bathymetry) data for outer Darwin Harbour, including Shoal Bay; 2. Characterise substrates (acoustic backscatter properties, grainsize, sediment chemistry) for outer Darwin Harbour, including Shoal Bay; and 3. Collect tidal data for the survey area. Data acquired during the survey included: multibeam sonar bathymetry and acoustic backscatter; physical samples of seabed sediments, underwater photography and video of grab sample locations and oceanographic information including tidal data and sound velocity profiles. 

This dataset comprises the results of sediment oxygen demand experiments undertaken on seabed sediments. 

A detailed account of the survey is provided in Siwabessy, P.J.W., Smit, N., Atkinson, I., Dando, N., Harries, S., Howard, F.J.F., Li, J., Nicholas W.A., Picard, K., Radke, L.C., Tran, M., Williams, D. and Whiteway, T., 2016. Bynoe Harbour Marine Survey 2017: GA4452/SOL6432 Post-survey report. Record 2017/04. Geoscience Australia, Canberra. 

Thanks to the crew of the RV Solander for help with sample collection, Matt Carey, Craig Wintle and Andrew Hislop from the Observatories and Science Support at Geoscience Australia for technical support and Jodie Smith for reviewing the data. This dataset is published with the permission of the CEO, Geoscience Australia

Tags: Published_External, baseline information, geochemistry, marine, marine survey, seabed
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network