Marine Geology of the Arafura Sea from 1969 Survey

A 1969 marine geological survey mapped approximately 240,000 km² of the northern Australian continental shelf. The survey was conducted by BMR (Bureau of Mineral Resources) using the chartered vessel San Pedro Sound and the Japanese research submersible Yomiuri. This work continues earlier geological reconnaissance in the Timor Sea and northwest shelf.

Use Cases

• Map regional seabed composition based on geological survey data
• Analyze continental shelf structure between longitudes 130° and 136°E and latitudes 8° and 12°S
• Compare geological features with prior work in the Timor Sea and northwest shelf
• Study marine sediment distribution from submersible and vessel-based observations

Strengths

• Covers a defined area of about 240,000 km²
• Documents a specific survey period from 2 May to 6 December 1969
• Continues a documented program of regional geological reconnaissance

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Data may reflect temporal bias inherent to a 1969 survey
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia Data

Collection Method

Marine geological survey using the chartered vessel San Pedro Sound and the research submersible Yomiuri.

Time Range

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

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-25 17:59:29.188132; freshness should be verified

Geography

Arafura Sea, northern Australian continental shelf between longitudes 130° and 136°E and latitudes 8° and 12°S