Superficial Sediments of the Tasmanian Continental Shelf and Bass Strait

The Australian Ocean Data Network provides an assessment of regional lithofacies variations based on 365 surface and near-surface seabed samples from the Tasmanian shelf and Bass Strait. The data describes sediment composition, including quartz-rich sands, muddy sediments, and relict bryozoan sands and gravels, with geochemical analyses for elements like tin and phosphorus. It was last updated on June 4, 2026.

Use Cases

• Map regional sediment lithofacies based on sample descriptions of quartz-rich sands, muddy sediments, and bryozoan gravels.
• Analyze sediment provenance and transport patterns based on heavy mineral suites and relationships with the adjacent hinterland.
• Assess the distribution of relict versus modern deposits based on descriptions of Holocene transgressive sheets and Pleistocene substrates.
• Investigate potential mineral resources based on mentions of cassiterite grains and phosphatisation of limestone gravels.

Strengths

• Based on 365 surface and near-surface seabed samples.
• Includes geochemical analyses with specific values, such as a maximum of 10 ppm Sn and 3.6 percent P.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Sample station density is described as low in parts of the shelf off northwestern Tasmania.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Analysis of seabed samples.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-04 08:42:53.750191; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Tasmanian continental shelf and part of Bass Strait.