Hydrocarbon Seepage Study of the Ashmore Platform

Three areas of hydrocarbon seepage were identified on the southern flank of the Ashmore Platform in the Bonaparte Basin, Australia. The study integrated remote sensing, geophysical, acoustic, photographic, and geochemical techniques to analyze natural seeps. Research was conducted by authors including Stalvies, C. et al. and published in 2017.

Use Cases

• Map seep locations and classify seepage type (persistent vs. episodic) using integrated remote sensing and acoustic data.
• Correlate geochemical sample isotopic compositions with source rock formations like the Lower Cretaceous Echuca Shoals Formation.
• Model lateral hydrocarbon migration pathways from the Caswell Sub-basin to the Ashmore Platform structural high.
• Assess regional exploration charge risk in the northern Browse Basin based on seep evidence.

Strengths

• Integrated five distinct data collection techniques: remote sensing, geophysical, acoustic, photographic, and geochemical.
• Geochemical data provides specific isotopic composition ranges for hydrocarbon sourcing.
• Study findings directly address a key exploration risk for a specific geological region.

Limitations

• Sample data and specific column structures for the underlying datasets are unavailable.
• The study's spatial coverage is limited to three identified seep areas on the Ashmore Platform.
• Primary data is from a 2017 publication, which may not reflect current conditions.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, citing Stalvies, C. et al. (2017).

Collection Method

Integrated study combining remote sensing, geophysical surveys, acoustic data, photography, and geochemical sampling.

Time Range

Study published in 2017; specific data collection dates unknown.

Freshness

Metadata record last updated 2026-04-04, but underlying study data is from 2017.

Geography

Ashmore Platform, Bonaparte Basin, and northern Browse Basin, Australia.