Geoscience Australia Survey 267: Hydrocarbon Seepage Detection on the Yampi Shelf

Geoscience Australia Marine Survey 267 tested techniques for detecting natural hydrocarbon seepage on the Yampi Shelf in March 2004. The survey used echosounders, side-scan sonar, a fluorometer, and sediment sampling aboard the vessel Parmelia K. Direct observations of seepage plumes and gas bubbles were made, correlating with seismic data.

Use Cases

• Validate hydrocarbon seepage detection models based on direct observations from echosounders and side-scan sonar.
• Analyze the relationship between tidal cycles and seepage activity based on survey findings.
• Correlate active seepage sites with hydrocarbon-related diagenetic zones (HRDZs) identified in 3D seismic data.
• Study macro-biotic distribution patterns around seepage zones based on grab and dredge samples.

Strengths

• Survey provides direct observation of hydrocarbon seepage, previously only inferred from remote sensing.
• Multi-instrument approach includes echosounder, side-scan sonar, fluorometer, ADCP, and sediment sampling.
• Findings correlate seepage with specific tidal conditions and geological features like pockmark fields.

Limitations

• Survey length was curtailed by tropical cyclones Evan and Fay, potentially limiting data collection.
• Significant downtime occurred due to poorly functioning leased equipment and staff inexperience.
• Gravity coring was largely unsuccessful due to carbonate hard-grounds over seepage sites.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Marine survey aboard the Parmelia K using echosounders, sonar, fluorometer, ADCP, and sediment grabs.

Time Range

March 3-18, 2004

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-23 01:49:03.708703; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Yampi Shelf, Timor Sea, Northwestern Australia