Timor Sea Continental Shelf Sediments Map at 1:1,000,000 Scale

The Bureau of Mineral Resources initiated a program of systematic reconnaissance geological surveys of the continental shelf following a 1967 monograph. The results include 1:1,000,000 lithofacies maps of shelf sediments, with three sheets printed by early 1974 and work on two further sheets advanced. Users should refer to Bulletin 83 (GeoCat #163) for interpretation guidance, as the map does not distinguish between modern and relict sediments.

Use Cases

• Analyze sediment lithofacies distribution across the continental shelf based on the published map sheets.
• Study non-depositional or erosional shelf areas mentioned in the description.
• Infer the distribution of older, relict sediments based on gravel content and bathymetry as described.
• Support geological modeling and resource assessment for the Timor Sea region.

Strengths

• Based on a systematic reconnaissance survey program by the Bureau of Mineral Resources.
• Includes 1:1,000,000 scale lithofacies maps, with three specific sheets (Rowley Shoals, Scott Reef, Arafura Sea) printed by early 1974.
• Interpretation is supported by a dedicated bulletin (Bulletin 83, GeoCat #163).

Limitations

• The map does not distinguish between modern sediments and relics of earlier depositional regimes.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR), published in the BMR Bulletin series.

Collection Method

Systematic reconnaissance geological surveys.

Time Range

Surveys initiated after 1967; map sheets printed by early 1974.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-28 12:49:21.927182; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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