Seafloor Geomorphic Features of the Australian Margin at 250m Resolution

For the first time, the distribution of 21 seafloor geomorphic feature types has been systematically mapped over 48.9 million km² of the Australian margin and adjacent seafloor. The dataset, created by Geoscience Australia Data, includes 6,702 individual features identified using a 250-meter spatial resolution bathymetry model. The mapped area surrounds the Australian mainland and the island territories of Christmas, Cocos (Keeling), Macquarie, and Norfolk Islands.

Use Cases

• Classifying seafloor habitats based on the 10 identified geomorphic regions.
• Analyzing the distribution of coral reefs, which are the most numerous feature type with 4,172 individual reefs.
• Comparing global seafloor geomorphology patterns, such as the relative under-representation of shelf and rise areas on the Australian margin.
• Mapping the extent of specific geomorphic features like plateaus, which cover 1.49 million km², or basins and terraces.

Strengths

• Covers a total area of 48.9 million km², providing a large-scale systematic view.
• Identifies 6,702 individual geomorphic features across 21 distinct types.
• Uses a consistent, high-resolution (250 m) bathymetry model for feature identification.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last updated 2026-04-20 02:35:45.106675; freshness should be verified.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia Data

Collection Method

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

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-20 02:35:45.106675

Geography

Seafloor surrounding the Australian mainland and the island territories of Christmas, Cocos (Keeling), Macquarie, and Norfolk Islands.