Seismic Refraction Profiles of Great Barrier Reef Substrate

124 seismic refraction profiles were collected across six reefs in the Capricorn/Bunker group of the Great Barrier Reef. The data, managed by the Australian Ocean Data Network, identifies a seismic discontinuity at depths of 8-23 meters, correlating to the Holocene/pre-Holocene unconformity. This geophysical evidence was used to assess the influence of pre-Holocene substrate morphology on modern reef growth forms.

Use Cases

• Correlate seismic discontinuity depth (8-23 m) with borehole data to map the Holocene/pre-Holocene unconformity across reef sites.
• Analyze pre-Holocene surface topography from seismic profiles to model its control on modern reef lagoon formation and infilling.
• Use seismic refraction data from 124 profiles to test hypotheses about latitudinal genetic sequences versus substrate-controlled growth in southern Great Barrier Reef reefs.

Strengths

• 124 distinct seismic refraction profiles provide multiple data points across the study area.
• Depth measurements for the seismic discontinuity are precisely quantified within an 8-23 meter range.
• Data collection links geophysical surveys with physical borehole data from three specific island locations (Bewick, Hayman, Heron).

Limitations

• The dataset size in terms of rows or digital records is unspecified.
• Primary data formats are PDF and HTML reports, limiting direct machine-readability for analysis.
• Geographic scope is limited to specific reefs in the Great Barrier Reef, reducing generalizability.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Seismic refraction surveys conducted in proximity to shallow boreholes.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Great Barrier Reef, specifically Bewick, Hayman, Heron Islands, and the Capricorn/Bunker Reefs.