Geology of the Exmouth and Wallaby Plateaus: Seismic Sequences and Rock Samples

First detailed geological information about the margins of the Exmouth and Wallaby Plateaus off northwest Australia. Data includes rock samples from 41 stations and seismic profiles that led to major changes in understanding the region's tectonic history. The dataset was published by the Australian Ocean Data Network and includes descriptions of Triassic to Tertiary rock formations.

Use Cases

• Modeling tectonic evolution based on described seismic stratigraphy and rock age determinations.
• Assessing petroleum potential based on described coal-measure sequences and carbonate formations.
• Studying volcanic plateau formation based on descriptions of interbedded basalts and volcaniclastic deposits.
• Correlating regional geology using the established seismic sequences and sample station locations.

Strengths

• Includes samples from 41 distinct stations (29 on Exmouth Plateau, 12 on Wallaby Plateau/Cuvier Abyssal Plain).
• Provides detailed lithological descriptions of multiple facies associations (A-E).
• Contains specific age determinations (e.g., K/Ar age: 89 m.y.) and thickness estimates (e.g., 2500 m of Early Jurassic carbonates).

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 data_gov_au, focusing on specific plateaus.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Rock samples obtained mainly by dredging, correlated with new single-channel seismic profiles.

Time Range

Covers rock formations from Middle/Late Triassic to Tertiary periods.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-16 22:29:08.751972; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Exmouth Plateau, Wallaby Plateau, and Cuvier Abyssal Plain off northwest Australia.