Australian Seafloor Geomorphology Map at 250m Resolution

Geomorphology of the Australian Margin and Adjacent Seafloor systematically maps the distribution of 21 seafloor geomorphic feature types over 48.9 million km2. The dataset, created by the Australian Ocean Data Network, identifies 6,702 individual features using a 250 m spatial resolution bathymetry model and supporting literature. It was last updated on April 16, 2026.

Use Cases

• Classifying seafloor habitats based on the 10 defined geomorphic regions and diagnostic feature assemblages.
• Analyzing the distribution and area of specific geomorphic features like reefs, plateaus, and basins.
• Comparing the geomorphic structure of the Australian margin to global seafloor patterns mentioned in the description.
• Mapping the complexity of the margin where features like marginal plateaus, terraces, and submarine canyons are present.

Strengths

• Covers a total mapped area of 48.9 million km2, including the seafloor around the Australian mainland and island territories.
• Identifies 6,702 individual geomorphic features across 21 distinct feature types.
• Uses a consistent, high-resolution (250 m) bathymetry model 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.
• 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 identified using a 250 m spatial resolution bathymetry model and supporting literature.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-16 08:23:35.316283; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Australian mainland and island territories of Christmas, Cocos (Keeling), Macquarie and Norfolk Islands, covering 48.9 million km2.