Western Australian Moho Depth Contour Map from Seismic and Magnetotelluric Data

Western Australia's 2021 depth contour map of the Mohorovičić discontinuity, derived from the AuSREM model at half-degree intervals. The dataset integrates seismological and magnetotelluric methods, including data from seismic refraction lines, receiver functions, and permanent stations. It was created by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

Use Cases

• Model crustal thickness variations across Western Australia using the half-degree gridded Moho depth contours.
• Correlate Moho discontinuity depths from the AuSREM model with features from seismic refraction lines.
• Integrate receiver function data from passive seismic deployments to validate regional Moho depth estimates.
• Analyze spatial consistency between depth contours derived from seismological and magnetotelluric methods.

Strengths

• Integrates multiple geophysical data sources: the AuSREM model, seismic refraction lines, receiver functions, and magnetotelluric lines.
• Provides a region-specific map for Western Australia, a key mineral exploration jurisdiction.
• Data is served via multiple access methods including WMS and an ArcGIS Server API.

Limitations

• The underlying data resolution is limited to half-degree gridded intervals, which may not capture fine-scale crustal features.
• As a contour map, the primary data product is a visualization layer rather than a raw, tabular dataset for direct statistical analysis.

Provenance

Source

Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (Western Australia).

Collection Method

Determined from seismological and magnetotelluric methods, based on the AuSREM model with additional data from seismic refraction lines and receiver functions.

Time Range

2021.

Freshness

Last updated in March 2026, indicating ongoing maintenance.

Geography

Western Australia.