Marine Geology of the Arafura Sea from 1969 BMR Survey

A 1969 marine geological survey conducted by the Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR) on the Australian continental shelf in the Arafura Sea. The survey covered an area of about 240,000 km² between longitudes 130° and 136°E and latitudes 8° and 12°S, using vessels including the research submersible Yomiuri and the supply vessel San Pedro Sound. It represents a continuation of regional reconnaissance mapping work in the Timor Sea and northwest shelf.

Use Cases

• Map regional seabed composition and structure based on the geological survey results.
• Analyze sediment distribution patterns across the Arafura Sea continental shelf.
• Study the geological continuity between the Arafura Sea and adjacent regions like the Timor Sea.
• Model paleogeographic conditions using core sample and bathymetric data likely collected.

Strengths

• Survey covers a defined area of about 240,000 km².
• Specific temporal coverage from May to December 1969 is documented.
• Survey platform details, including the research submersible Yomiuri, are provided.

Limitations

• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data may reflect geographic/temporal bias inherent to data_gov_au.

Provenance

Source

Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR), via Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

Marine geological survey using chartered vessels and a research submersible.

Time Range

1969 (primary survey from 21 September to 6 December, with submersible operations 2-25 May).

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-05 06:49:21.677132; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Northern Australian continental shelf in the Arafura Sea, between 130°-136°E and 8°-12°S.