Seabed Survey Data for CO2 Storage Assessment in Western Australia

89 seabed grab samples and 653 km² of multibeam data were collected during a 2012 marine survey by Geoscience Australia. The survey aimed to assess the CO2 storage potential of the Vlaming Sub-basin by investigating links between deep geology and the seabed. Data includes chirper sub-bottom profiles and 6.65 km² of side-scan sonar imagery.

Use Cases

• Analyze multibeam and backscatter data to map seabed geomorphology and identify fault-like structures.
• Correlate chirper sub-bottom profile data with seabed grab samples to assess shallow geology and seal integrity.
• Use side-scan sonar imagery to study rhodolith bed distributions and mound formations above structural lineaments.
• Evaluate spatial correlations between seabed samples and deep geological features for CO2 reservoir suitability assessment.

Strengths

• Survey collected data from 43 stations, providing 89 seabed grab samples.
• Multibeam and backscatter coverage spans 653 km² across two distinct areas.
• Includes 6.65 km² of side-scan sonar imagery for detailed seabed texture analysis.

Limitations

• The precise relationship between observed seabed features and subsurface fluid seepage is uncertain.
• Data is from a single survey in 2012, limiting temporal analysis or trend observation.
• Primary data formats are PDF and HTML reports, not raw, structured datasets.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia, via the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

Marine survey using grab sampling, multibeam sonar, chirper sub-bottom profiling, and side-scan sonar.

Time Range

March-April 2012.

Freshness

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Geography

Vlaming Sub-basin, Rottnest Shelf, Western Australia.