Marine Seismic Survey of the Capricorn and Northern Tasman Basins

December 1989 marine multi-channel seismic reflection survey covering approximately 2900 km of data, primarily over the Capricorn Basin and margins of the northern Tasman Basin. The Bureau of Mineral Resources conducted the research cruise using RV 'Rig Seismic' to investigate basin structure, stratigraphy, and petroleum resource potential. It was the first such survey in the region since 1974 and included ties to the Aquarius-1 and Capricorn-1A wells.

Use Cases

• Model basin evolution by analyzing syn-rift and post-rift sediment thicknesses (0.5-1.0 s twt and 1.5 s twt respectively) from seismic reflection data.
• Correlate seismic stratigraphy with well data from Aquarius-1 and Capricorn-1A to calibrate geological interpretations.
• Integrate sonobuoy refraction data with seismic profiles to constrain subsurface velocity models.
• Use gravity and magnetic data alongside seismic data to interpret deeper crustal structure and basin architecture.
• Map depositional systems and stratigraphic sequences within the Late Cretaceous to Recent sedimentary record.

Strengths

• Approximately 2900 km of marine multi-channel seismic reflection data provides substantial spatial coverage.
• Integrated dataset includes seismic, sonobuoy refraction, gravity, magnetic, and bathymetric data for multi-parameter analysis.
• Survey provides first regional multi-channel seismic data since 1974, offering a temporal benchmark.

Limitations

• Specific row/column counts, sample data, and file sizes are unknown, limiting precise assessment of data volume.
• Data is from a single survey in 1989, lacking temporal resolution for modern dynamic studies.
• Primary data format is HTML, which may not be a standard, readily analyzable format for geophysical data.

Provenance

Source

Bureau of Mineral Resources (Australia), via the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

Marine multi-channel seismic reflection survey, with concurrent collection of sonobuoy refraction, gravity, magnetic, and bathymetric data.

Time Range

Survey conducted in December 1989. Data interprets geological history from Late Cretaceous to Recent.

Freshness

Data was collected in December 1989. Metadata was last updated in April 2026.

Geography

Offshore southeast Queensland, Australia, covering the Capricorn Basin and margins of the northern Tasman Basin.