Cretaceous Fluvial System Analysis in Otway Basin

Three discrete depositional systems (A-C) are distinguished within the Eumeralla Formation, with sandstone bodies up to 70 meters thick. The Australian Ocean Data Network published this analysis of Aptian-Albian aged outcrops in the eastern Otway Basin of southern Australia. It models sediment transport from volcanic complexes and basement blocks across the rift basin.

Use Cases

• Analyze fluvial architecture using thickness data for multistorey sandstone bodies up to 70 m.
• Model paleocurrent directions using vectors from systems A (southerly), B (NE-NW), and C (NW).
• Compare sediment provenance between systems using features like basement-derived gravel and volcaniclastic sand.
• Reconstruct depositional environments from facies associations containing siltstones, coal beds, and rooted horizons.

Strengths

• Identifies three distinct depositional systems with detailed facies associations.
• Provides specific thickness measurements for sandstone bodies (up to 70 m) and siltstones.

Limitations

• No raw tabular data or column definitions are provided, only interpretive analysis.
• Spatial coverage is limited to specific outcrop areas in the eastern Otway Basin.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Field analysis of Eumeralla Formation outcrops.

Time Range

Aptian-Albian (Lower Cretaceous)

Freshness

null

Geography

Eastern Otway Basin, southern Australia (Cape Otway to Apollo Bay, Moonlight Head, north of Skenes Creek).