For the first time, the distribution of seafloor geomorphic features has been systematically mapped over 48.9 million km2 of the Australian margin and adjacent seafloor. The dataset, from the Australian Ocean Data Network, identifies 21 feature types using a 250 m spatial resolution bathymetry model, resulting in 6702 individual geomorphic features. The mapped area includes the seafloor surrounding the Australian mainland and the island territories of Christmas, Cocos (Keeling), Macquarie and Norfolk Islands.
Use Cases
- Classifying seafloor habitats based on the 10 defined geomorphic regions and diagnostic assemblages of features.
- Analyzing the distribution and area of specific geomorphic features like reefs, plateaus, and basins across the mapped margin.
- Comparing global seafloor geomorphology patterns based on the relative representation of shelf, slope, and rise areas.
- Mapping coral reef locations and density, particularly within the Great Barrier Reef, using the identified 4172 reef features.
Strengths
- Covers a vast mapped area of 48.9 million km2, including the Australian mainland and multiple island territories.
- Systematically identifies 21 distinct geomorphic feature types, providing a detailed classification.
- Based on a new, high-resolution (250 m) bathymetry model, suggesting improved spatial detail.
- Quantifies the surface area for major features, such as shelf (41.9 million km2) and slope (44.0 million km2).
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for specific analytical methods.
- Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to data_gov_au, focusing solely on the Australian region.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Features were identified using a 250 m spatial resolution bathymetry model and supporting literature.
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-06-27 16:45:29.527561; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Australian margin and adjacent seafloor, including areas surrounding Christmas, Cocos (Keeling), Macquarie and Norfolk Islands.