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

48.9 million km² of the Australian margin and adjacent seafloor has been systematically mapped for the first time, identifying 6,702 individual geomorphic features across 21 types. The mapping was conducted by the Australian Ocean Data Network using a 250 m spatial resolution bathymetry model and supporting literature. The dataset was last updated on 2026-04-10.

Use Cases

• Classifying seafloor habitat types based on diagnostic assemblages of geomorphic features.
• Analyzing the distribution and complexity of geomorphic features like plateaus, terraces, and submarine canyons.
• Comparing the geomorphic composition of the Australian margin to global seafloor patterns.
• Mapping coral reef systems, including the Great Barrier Reef, based on the 4,172 individual reef features.

Strengths

• Covers a vast mapped area of 48.9 million km², including the seafloor around the Australian mainland and island territories.
• Systematically identifies 21 distinct geomorphic feature types, including detailed area percentages for shelf, slope, and abyssal plain.
• Based on a new, 250 m spatial resolution bathymetry model, suggesting a relatively high level of detail.

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.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

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

Time Range

The temporal coverage of the underlying data is not specified.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-10 18:00:05.079748; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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