Geomorphology of the Australian Margin and Adjacent Seafloor, 48.9 Million km² Mapped

A 2026 dataset from the Australian Ocean Data Network systematically maps seafloor geomorphic features over 48.9 million km² of the Australian margin and adjacent seafloor. It identifies 21 feature types, including 6,702 individual features, using a 250-meter resolution bathymetry model. The data can be divided into 10 geomorphic regions for inferring broad-scale seafloor habitats.

Use Cases

• Classifying seafloor habitats based on mapped geomorphic features like reefs, plateaus, and basins.
• Analyzing continental margin structure based on the distribution of shelf, slope, rise, and abyssal plain areas.
• Comparing regional geomorphology using the diagnostic assemblages of features that define the 10 geomorphic regions.
• Studying coral reef distribution and complexity, particularly within the Great Barrier Reef system.

Strengths

• Covers a vast mapped area of 48.9 million km², including territories like Christmas and Macquarie Islands.
• Identifies 21 distinct geomorphic feature types, totaling 6,702 individual features.
• Uses a consistent, high-resolution (250 m) bathymetry model as a base for systematic mapping.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last updated 2026-06-04 06:54:59.946518; freshness should be verified.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Features identified using a 250 m spatial resolution bathymetry model and supporting literature.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-04 06:54:59.946518

Geography

Australian mainland margin and island territories (Christmas, Cocos (Keeling), Macquarie, Norfolk Islands).