Torres Strait Geology with Age and Lithology Descriptions, 1970

297 polygon features represent the geology of the Torres Strait region. The dataset includes attributes for unit name, geological age, and lithological description, compiled in 1970 by WF Willmott from mapping work in 1968. The data is a digital representation derived from the Rock Units Table of the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.

Use Cases

• Map geological unit distributions based on polygon features and unit names.
• Analyze rock type composition based on lithological descriptions like 'Basalt lava and tuff' or 'Sandstone, conglomerate and shale'.
• Study regional geological age patterns based on attributes like 'Quaternary' or 'Carboniferous'.
• Create labeled geological maps using the abbreviated symbols provided for polygon labeling.

Strengths

• Contains 297 distinct geological polygon features.
• Provides specific lithological descriptions for map units, such as 'Leucocratic and porphyritic biotite granite'.
• Attributes include a defined geological age classification (e.g., Quaternary, Tertiary, Mesozoic).

Limitations

• Data is from 1970, so its accuracy relative to modern geological understanding may be limited.
• The description notes uncertain shapes for Stephens, Darnley, and Murray Islands due to lack of air photography.
• Metadata completeness is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.

Provenance

Source

Rock Units Table held in the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Merlin Database.

Collection Method

Compiled from mapping in 1968, plotted on photoscale maps (1:50,000) and reduced to 1:250,000 scale.

Time Range

1970 (compilation date).

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-10 14:51:32.594368; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Torres Strait region, Australia.