4788 line kilometers of water column geochemical 'sniffer' data were acquired by the Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO) in September/October 1998. The survey targeted hydrocarbon seepage detection across the Northern Carnarvon Basin, offshore Canning Basin, Yampi Shelf, and Southern Bonaparte Basin. Weak to moderate methane and moderate to strong ethane concentrations were detected near the Wandoo B Platform and on parts of the Yampi Shelf.
Use Cases
- Detect natural hydrocarbon seepage based on methane and ethane concentrations in water samples.
- Map regional hydrocarbon distribution based on survey lines covering multiple basins.
- Validate seismic interpretations of hydrocarbon leakage based on coincident AGSO seismic lines mentioned in the description.
- Analyze temporal repeatability of seepage signals by comparing with earlier survey S176 from 1996.
Strengths
- 4788 line kilometers of survey data provide regional coverage.
- 160 completed survey lines offer detailed spatial sampling.
- Concentrations of methane and ethane are quantified, allowing for anomaly detection.
- Data shows repeatability with a 1996 survey for parts of the Yampi Shelf.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to the specific survey areas on the NW Australian Margin.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Acquired via a regional water column geochemical 'sniffer' program using the contract vessel TSMV Pacific Conquest.
- Time Range
- 21 September to 23 October 1998
- Geography
- NW Australian Margin, from Dampier to west of Darwin, covering Northern Carnarvon Basin, offshore Canning Basin, Yampi Shelf, Southern Bonaparte Basin