Haines Structure: Seismic Profile of a Probable Eocene Impact Crater in Western Australia

A single 2D seismic profile images a symmetrical structure spanning approximately 2.5 km in the offshore Canning Basin. The data, interpreted by the Australian Ocean Data Network as a probable complex impact crater, shows a centrally uplifted basal surface and a deformed intervening package within carbonate units of Eocene or Early Oligocene age. The structure, last documented in 2026, has not been drilled, so definitive evidence like shock metamorphism is unavailable.

Use Cases

• Identify seismic characteristics of complex impact craters based on the described symmetrical structure and deformed package.
• Compare the Haines Structure's features with other interpreted impact structures on Australia's North West Shelf.
• Model subsurface geology in the offshore Canning Basin using the described seismic horizon relationships.

Strengths

• The seismic structure is described in detail, including its symmetrical shape over ~2.5 km and specific internal features like a centrally uplifted base.
• Interpretation is supported by comparison to known impact craters and the absence of seismic features linked to alternative processes like volcanic pipes.

Limitations

• The dataset is based on a single 2D seismic profile, providing a limited two-dimensional view of the subsurface feature.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for quantitative analysis.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network via data_gov_au

Collection Method

Seismic imaging from a 2D seismic profile, correlated to petroleum exploration wells for age determination.

Time Range

Eocene or Early Oligocene age (geological time).

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-27 20:00:04.222332; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Offshore Canning Basin, Western Australia.