Mesozoic Sediment Stratigraphy and Palynology from the Great Australian Bight

Palynological data from samples dredged during the BMR Rig Seismic Cruise 66 in the offshore Bight and Duntroon Basins. The dataset correlates palynofloras with specific spore/pollen and microplankton zones, indicating depositional environments from paralic to marine. It is provided by the Australian Ocean Data Network and was last updated in 2026.

Use Cases

• Correlating sedimentary formations based on palynological zone data mentioned in the description
• Reconstructing ancient depositional environments (paralic to marine) from the described sample data
• Analyzing sediment provenance and paleo-drainage patterns based on described recycled palynomorphs
• Modeling the extent of temperate rainforests during the Campanian-Maastrichtian as indicated by palynological evidence

Strengths

• Data is tied to specific geological formations (e.g., Potoroo, Wigunda, Ceduna) and palynological zones (e.g., Forcipites longus Zone).
• Samples provide age ranges from Santonian to Maastrichtian and indicate Early Cretaceous sources.
• Description specifies depositional environments and implies provenance from eastern and northern stream sources.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data files are in PDF and HTML formats, which may require extraction for computational analysis.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Palynological investigation of samples dredged from the continental slope and submarine canyon walls during BMR Rig Seismic Cruise 66.

Time Range

Mesozoic era, with specific samples ranging from Santonian to Maastrichtian (Late Cretaceous) and one indicating Early Cretaceous.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-05 07:49:33.759253; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Great Australian Bight area, southern Australia, specifically the offshore Bight and Duntroon Basins.