Northern Houtman Sub-basin Geological Model and Seismic Interpretation

Interpretation of 2014–15 seismic reflection data enabled mapping of the Moho, basement, and major depositional sequences in this frontier basin. The study created a 3D geological model covering the survey area and mapped up to 16 km of Permian–Cretaceous sediment succession. This work was conducted by Geoscience Australia under the Australian government's precompetitive data acquisition program.

Use Cases

• Assess petroleum prospectivity by analyzing mapped thicknesses of the Lower Triassic Kockatea Shale (up to 1800 m) and Permian syn-rift succession (up to 10 km).
• Model crustal structure variations using interpreted seismic data showing hyperextended crust (<5 km thick) versus thicker crust (>25 km).
• Correlate regional seismic stratigraphy using the new tectonostratigraphic framework for Permian–Cretaceous successions.
• Identify structural architecture and fault zones from mapped basement-involved faults separating the sub-basin from the Bernier Platform.

Strengths

• Interpretation based on new seismic reflection data acquired in 2014–15.
• Mapped sediment succession thicknesses up to 16 km for Permian–Cretaceous sequences.
• Created a 3D geological model covering the survey area.

Limitations

• Only three wells have been drilled in the broader sub-basin region, limiting direct subsurface validation.
• Specific column names, row counts, and sample data are unavailable.
• Primary data formats are DOCX and PDF, not raw seismic or structured tabular data.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia via the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

Seismic reflection data acquisition and interpretation integrated with potential field modelling.

Time Range

Study focuses on geological history from Paleozoic to Cretaceous, with data acquired in 2014–15.

Freshness

Data last updated on 2026-04-04, though the core seismic acquisition was in 2014–15.

Geography

Northern Houtman Sub-basin, offshore Western Australia, part of the northern Perth Basin.