Lake Frome Geochemistry and Sediment Stratigraphy

Australian Ocean Data Network provides geochemical data from Lake Frome, a playa lake in South Australia. The dataset includes analysis of major and minor elements in elastic sediments and hypersaline brines, with stratigraphic units defined from auger hole samples covering approximately 17,000 years. The data was last updated in April 2026.

Use Cases

• Analyze correlations between sediment type (sandy units vs. muddy unit) and concentrations of organic carbon or minor elements.
• Model brine composition by examining sodium and chloride ion concentrations across surface and sub-surface water samples.
• Investigate stratigraphic changes over 17,000 years using data from shallow auger holes across the lake margin and center.
• Compare geochemical signatures of mound spring waters in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the lake basin.
• Assess potential metal leaching by examining lead concentrations in sediments as soluble chloride complexes.

Strengths

• Stratigraphic analysis covers a 17,000-year temporal range.
• Data distinguishes between three sediment units: upper sand, lower sand, and mud.
• Brine analysis includes specific salinity measurements (26 to 34 percent).

Limitations

• Sample size and row count are unknown.
• Data is derived from a single study location, limiting geographic generalizability.
• File formats are PDF and HTML, which may complicate direct computational analysis.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Analysis of sediment and brine samples from shallow auger holes and surface water surveys.

Time Range

Covers approximately the last 17,000 years.

Freshness

Data was updated in April 2026.

Geography

Lake Frome, a playa lake in southeast South Australia.