Haddon Downs 1957 Seismic Survey with Refraction and Reflection Data

Seismic survey data was collected at Haddon Downs, South Australia, in October and November 1957. The survey recorded two key seismic refractors and reflection data to analyze subsurface structures within the Eromanga Sub-basin. The work was conducted by Santos Ltd. under an Oil Prospecting Licence.

Use Cases

• Map subsurface structures by analyzing seismic reflection data and identified refractors at 2,700 and 7,250 feet depth.
• Interpret the thickness of the Mesozoic sedimentary section using recorded depths ranging from 8,000 to 16,000 feet.
• Correlate surface anticline structures with minor subsurface dips of less than 1 degree using the seismic traverse data.
• Identify potential lithology, such as dense elastic or crystalline limestone, from the high-velocity refractor of 17,000 ft/sec.

Strengths

• Survey identified two distinct seismic refractors with specific velocities (10,250 ft/sec and 17,000 ft/sec) and depths.
• Data provides interpreted thickness of the sedimentary section, with estimates from 8,000 to 16,000 feet.
• Survey employed large multiple geophone arrays and pattern shots to improve data quality over most of the area.

Limitations

• Data is from a single, localized experimental survey conducted in 1957, limiting temporal and spatial scope.
• Specific row counts, column details, and data formats within the ZIP/HTML files are not described.
• Data quality was noted to be poorer over the alluvial plains of larger creeks.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, sourced from data_gov_au.

Collection Method

Field survey using seismic refraction and reflection methods with geophone arrays and pattern shots.

Time Range

October-November 1957.

Freshness

Data is historical (1957), with a metadata record last updated in 2026.

Geography

Haddon Downs, within the Eromanga Sub-basin of the Great Artesian Basin, South Australia.