Timor Sea Continental Shelf Sediment Lithofacies Map, 1:1,000,000 Scale

The Timor Sea continental shelf sediment map, published by the Bureau of Mineral Resources, depicts lithofacies variations across the shelf. The data is part of a systematic reconnaissance survey program, with results published in the BMR Bulletin series accompanied by 1:1,000,000 scale maps. Three map sheets were printed by early 1974, and interpretation requires reference to the accompanying Bulletin 83 (GeoCat #163).

Use Cases

• Study modern and relict sediment distribution based on lithofacies mapping.
• Analyze non-depositional or erosional shelf areas mentioned in the description.
• Infer historical depositional regimes from gravel content and bathymetry relationships.
• Support geological survey and resource assessment for the continental shelf.

Strengths

• Part of a systematic reconnaissance survey program by the Bureau of Mineral Resources.
• Accompanied by detailed interpretation guidance in Bulletin 83 (GeoCat #163).
• Published at a 1:1,000,000 scale for regional analysis.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The map does not distinguish between modern sediments and relics of earlier regimes.

Provenance

Source

Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR), published by Geoscience Australia Data.

Collection Method

Systematic reconnaissance geological surveys of the continental shelf.

Time Range

Surveys conducted prior to 1974; specific collection dates unknown.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-30 15:20:33.692069; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Timor Sea continental shelf, with specific sheets for Rowley Shoals, Scott Reef, and the Arafura Sea.