Superficial Sediments of the Tasmanian Shelf and Bass Strait

Three hundred and sixty-five surface and near-surface seabed samples form the basis for assessing regional lithofacies variations. The dataset describes sediment composition, including quartz-rich sands, muddy sediments, and relict bryozoan sands and gravels, and includes geochemical analyses for elements like tin. It covers the Tasmanian continental shelf and parts of eastern and western Bass Strait.

Use Cases

• Mapping regional sediment facies based on sample lithology and composition.
• Analyzing provenance and sediment transport patterns using heavy mineral suites.
• Assessing potential mineral resources (e.g., cassiterite, phosphorite) from geochemical data.
• Studying Holocene and Pleistocene sediment reworking and depositional history.

Strengths

• Based on a specific count of 365 seabed samples.
• Includes detailed geochemical analyses, with a maximum recorded tin value of 10 ppm Sn.
• Provides spatial coverage of a defined region: the Tasmanian shelf and Bass Strait.

Limitations

• Sample station density is noted as low in parts of the shelf, particularly off northwestern Tasmania.
• Column names and specific data structure are not provided in the available metadata.
• License information is not specified across the provided sources.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia Data

Collection Method

Collection and analysis of 365 surface and near-surface seabed samples.

Time Range

Samples represent modern deposits and relict sediments from the Pleistocene and Holocene.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-20 (from data.gov.au).

Geography

Tasmanian continental shelf and parts of eastern and western Bass Strait, Australia.