Australian Seafloor Geomorphology with 21 Feature Types Mapped Over 48.9 Million km²

48.9 million km² of the Australian margin and adjacent seafloor have been systematically mapped for geomorphic features using a 250-meter resolution bathymetry model. The mapping identified 6,702 individual features across 21 types, with reefs being the most numerous and plateaus covering the largest area. This dataset was produced by the Australian Ocean Data Network and last updated in June 2026.

Use Cases

• Classifying seafloor habitats based on the 10 defined geomorphic regions and diagnostic feature assemblages.
• Analyzing the distribution of coral reefs based on the 4,172 individual reef features mapped.
• Comparing global seafloor geomorphology patterns based on the quantified areas of shelf, slope, and abyssal plain.
• Modeling sediment transport and geological processes based on features like submarine canyons, terraces, and basins.

Strengths

• Covers a vast mapped area of 48.9 million km², including the seafloor around mainland Australia and several island territories.
• Systematically identifies 21 distinct geomorphic feature types, totaling 6,702 individual features.
• Uses a consistent, high-resolution (250 m) bathymetry model as a base 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 for specific analytical methods.
• Data freshness should be verified despite the listed 2026 update date, as the underlying mapping may be older.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network via data.gov.au

Collection Method

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

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-23 06:00:40.660119

Geography

Australian mainland margin and adjacent seafloor, including Christmas, Cocos (Keeling), Macquarie, and Norfolk Islands.