Georgina Basin Middle Cambrian Petroleum Systems: Geochemical and Stratigraphic Data

Geoscience Australia conducted an evaluation of shale gas and oil potential in the Georgina Basin, covering approximately 325,000 square kilometers in south-central Australia. The assessment focuses on Middle Cambrian source rocks, including the Thorntonia Limestone and Arthur Creek Formation, using stratigraphy, petrography, geochemistry, and petroleum systems modeling. Data includes geochemical measurements such as TOC up to 15.5% and Hydrogen Index up to 500 mg hydrocarbons/g TOC, with maturity levels ranging from early oil to early dry gas windows.

Use Cases

• Modeling petroleum systems based on described stratigraphy and tectonic history.
• Assessing source rock richness and maturity using Rock Eval and hydrocarbon data mentioned.
• Correlating oil stains and geochemical signatures like isotopic depletion and terpane content for basin analysis.
• Identifying drilling targets for unconventional hydrocarbons based on the 'hot shale' unit characteristics.

Strengths

• Covers a large geographic area of approximately 325,000 square kilometers.
• Includes specific geochemical measurements, such as TOC up to 15.5% and Hydrogen Index up to 500 mg hydrocarbons/g TOC.
• Assessment methodology is based on USGS-developed statistical estimates and updated petroleum systems modeling.

Limitations

• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to the Georgina Basin study area.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia Data

Collection Method

Systematic evaluation using stratigraphy, petrography, geochemistry, and petroleum systems modeling, with methodology adapted from the United States Geological Survey.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-25 17:49:57.192138; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Georgina Basin, south-central Australia.