The Haines Structure: A Probable Eocene Complex Impact Structure in the Offshore Canning B

A single 2D seismic profile from the offshore Canning Basin, Western Australia, images a symmetrical structure interpreted as a possible complex impact crater. The Haines Structure is approximately 2.5 km wide and lies within carbonate units of Eocene or Early Oligocene age. The Australian Ocean Data Network hosts this data, which was last updated on 2026-06-23.

Use Cases

• Training seismic interpretation models based on the described crater morphology (central uplift, sagging horizon).
• Comparative analysis of impact structures using the seismic character described for the Haines Structure.
• Studying the geology of the Eocene period in the offshore Canning Basin based on the seismic correlation mentioned.

Strengths

• The description provides specific seismic characteristics, including a symmetrical structure over ~2.5 km with a centrally uplifted base and a sagging upper horizon.
• The data is associated with a specific geological context, being correlated to Eocene or Early Oligocene carbonate units via petroleum exploration wells.

Limitations

• The dataset is based on a single 2D seismic profile, which provides limited spatial coverage.
• The structure has not been drilled, so definitive evidence for an impact origin, such as shock metamorphism, is unavailable.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network via data_gov_au

Collection Method

Seismic imaging from a 2D profile, interpreted from seismic character.

Time Range

Eocene or Early Oligocene age (geological time period)

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-23 02:25:21.462202; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Offshore Canning Basin, Western Australia