Timor Sea Continental Shelf Sediment Lithofacies Maps

The Bureau of Mineral Resources published lithofacies maps of continental shelf sediments as part of a systematic reconnaissance geological survey program. Three map sheets covering Rowley Shoals, Scott Reef, and the Arafura Sea were printed by early 1974, with work on two further sheets for the east Australian shelf advanced. Users should refer to Bulletin 83 (GeoCat # 163) for interpretation guidance, as the maps do not distinguish between modern and relic sediments.

Use Cases

• Analyze sediment lithology variations across the continental shelf based on the 1:1,000,000 scale maps.
• Identify non-depositional or erosional shelf areas based on the map's portrayal of lithology.
• Study gravel content distribution in relation to bathymetry to infer older sediment regimes.
• Compare sediment facies between different regions like the Timor Sea and the east Australian shelf.

Strengths

• Maps are published at a systematic reconnaissance scale of 1:1,000,000.
• Three specific map sheets (Rowley Shoals, Scott Reef, Arafura Sea) were printed by early 1974.
• Interpretation guidance is provided in a referenced Bulletin (GeoCat # 163).

Limitations

• The map does not distinguish between modern sediments and relics of earlier regimes.
• Row count and column-level documentation are absent; field semantics must be inferred.
• Data freshness should be verified; last metadata update is 2026-05-05.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network via data_gov_au

Collection Method

Systematic reconnaissance geological surveys by the Bureau of Mineral Resources.

Time Range

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

Geography

Timor Sea continental shelf, Rowley Shoals, Scott Reef, Arafura Sea, and part of the east Australian continental shelf.