Great Artesian Basin Vshale Modelling Based on 3D Geological Surfaces

A 3D geological and hydrogeological model of the Great Artesian Basin and Lake Eyre Basin populated with volume of shale (Vshale) values calculated on 2,310 wells. The data package was completed as part of Geoscience Australia's National Groundwater Systems Project within the Exploring for the Future program. It provides a refined architecture of aquifer and aquitard geometry across 18 hydrogeological units.

Use Cases

• Refine hydrogeological conceptual models based on the 3D Vshale model of aquifer and aquitard geometry.
• Map potential preferential groundwater flow paths based on the distribution of sand-shale ratios across hydrogeological units.
• Identify critical groundwater areas for long-term monitoring based on the GAB-wide scale mapping of current groundwater knowledge.
• Assess aquifer compartmentalization based on insights into sand body development and hydraulic characteristics.

Strengths

• Model is based on data from 2,310 wells across four basins.
• Represents the second iteration of the model, building on previous work and infilling data gaps.
• Provides a common national standard framework for data integration across disciplines and jurisdictions.

Limitations

• Data gaps exist and require further study, as noted in the description.
• The model does not incorporate major faults and other structures, limiting understanding of fluid flow.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia's National Groundwater Systems Project.

Collection Method

Vshale values calculated on well data, integrated with borehole, airborne electromagnetic, and seismic interpretation.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-04 08:28:37.664594; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Eastern Australia, covering the Great Artesian Basin, Lake Eyre Basin, Surat, Eromanga, and Carpentaria basins.