Kenn Plateau Seismic And Bathymetric Survey Data

3090 km of high-quality seismic data and 7584 km of bathymetric data were collected from the Kenn Plateau off northeast Australia. The voyage was conducted by Geoscience Australia scientists aboard the RV Southern Surveyor, with an additional two days scheduled in late 2004. The survey aimed to improve geological understanding of this poorly known marine region.

Use Cases

• Analyze 3090 km of seismic data to model subsurface geological structures and tectonic history.
• Process 7584 km of SIMRAD EM 300 multibeam sonar bathymetric data for seafloor mapping and sedimentary process studies.
• Integrate seismic and bathymetric data layers to create a composite geological model of the plateau margins.
• Use the 12 dredge haul and one grab sample results to build a regional geological history and calibrate geophysical interpretations.

Strengths

• Substantial geophysical coverage with 3090 km of seismic data.
• High-resolution seafloor mapping from 7584 km of multibeam sonar bathymetric data.
• Survey represents the first recovery of ancient rocks from this frontier offshore region.

Limitations

• Limited physical sampling with only 12 dredge hauls and one grab obtained.
• Sampling program was curtailed due to equipment failures, reducing planned sample collection.
• Data is from a single voyage in 2004, providing a snapshot rather than time-series observations.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia science contingent aboard RV Southern Surveyor.

Collection Method

Marine survey using seismic equipment and SIMRAD EM 300 multibeam sonar system, supplemented by dredge and grab sampling.

Time Range

Voyage conducted in November-December 2004.

Freshness

Data collected during a 2004 voyage; subsequent updates are unknown.

Geography

Kenn Plateau off northeast Australia.