Geoscience Australia acquired 2700 km of seismic data in late 2004 as part of the Southwest Frontiers Survey. The survey aimed to define basement type and crustal thickness to constrain tectonic evolution and hydrocarbon maturation models. Results from this survey and a concurrent Russian Antarctic Expedition indicate a ~400km wide zone in Gondwana with basement velocities lower than typical continental values.
Use Cases
- Model hydrocarbon maturation scenarios based on basement composition and heat production differences.
- Interpret tectonic evolution of the region based on estimates of crustal thickness.
- Perform depth conversion of reflection seismic data using accurate seismic velocity information.
- Compare continental margin structures using data from conjugate counterparts in Antarctica.
Strengths
- 2700 km of industry-standard seismic data recorded to 12 seconds two-way time.
- Refraction data supplemented coverage from old sonobuoy work and onshore stations.
- Velocity data indicate a maximum sediment thickness in excess of 9 km.
- Results are consistent with findings from a concurrent Russian Antarctic Expedition.
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 area.
Provenance
- Source
- Geoscience Australia / Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Marine reflection seismic acquisition supplemented by refraction seismic data from sonobuoys and land stations.
- Time Range
- Survey conducted in late 2004.
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-04-16 14:49:05.355194; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- South-western Australian continental margin (Bremer Sub-basin) and its Antarctic counterpart.