Seafloor Bathymetry of Australia's South-East Marine Region

Two major seabed swath-mapping surveys, AUSTREA-1 and AUSTREA-2, were completed in early 2000. The Australian Geological Survey Organisation conducted these surveys to provide scientific information for implementing Australia's Ocean Policy and establishing marine protected areas. Data covers the South-east Marine Region including Lord Howe Island, the South-east Australian Margin, Tasmania, the South Tasman Rise, and the Central Great Australian Bight.

Use Cases

• Generate high-resolution bathymetric maps from swath-mapping survey data for the South-east Australian Margin.
• Analyze seabed geophysical features to identify potential sites for marine protected areas (MPAs) around Lord Howe Island and Tasmania.
• Model seafloor terrain using survey data to support geological studies of the South Tasman Rise and Central Great Australian Bight.

Strengths

• Data originates from two major dedicated seabed surveys (AUSTREA-1 and AUSTREA-2) commissioned by national agencies.
• Covers a large, specified geographic region including multiple distinct marine zones.

Limitations

• Primary data format is PDF and HTML reports, not raw geospatial data files, limiting direct machine-readability.
• Survey data is from the year 2000, which may be outdated for contemporary analysis of dynamic seafloor features.

Provenance

Source

Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO), commissioned by the National Oceans Office and Environment Australia.

Collection Method

Seabed swath-mapping and geophysical surveys.

Time Range

Surveys completed in early 2000.

Freshness

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Geography

South-east Marine Region of Australia, including Lord Howe Island, South-east Australian Margin, Tasmania, South Tasman Rise, and Central Great Australian Bight.