A new approach for developing a 3D temperature map of the Australian continent has been trialled that combines available proxy data using high-performance computing and large continental-scale datasets. The Thermal Map from Assessed Proxies (TherMAP) is a new 3D modelling approach that brings together up-to-date national-scale datasets. Bringing together such a range of datasets provides a geoscientific basis by which to estimate temperature in regions where direct observations are not available. Furthermore, the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) is enabling insights into the nature of Australia's geothermal resources that had not been previously available.

A new approach for developing a 3D temperature map of the Australian continent is currently being developed that relies on combining available proxy data using high-performance computing and large continental-scale datasets. The new modelling approach brings together the current national-scale knowledge of datasets collected by Geoscience Australia and others, including AusMoho, OZTemp, OzSeebase, OZCHEM, surface temperature, the Surface Geology of Australia, sedimentary basins' thermal conductivity and the National Gravity Map of Australia. Bringing together such a range of datasets provides a geoscientific basis by which to estimate temperature in regions where direct observations are not available. Furthermore, the performance of computing facilities, such as the National Computational Infrastructure, is enabling insights into the nature of Australia's geothermal resources which had not been previously available. This should include developing an understanding of the errors involved in such a study through the quantification of uncertainties. Currently the new approach is being run as a pilot study however, initial results are encouraging. The pilot study has been able to reproduce the temperature trends observed in areas that have been heavily constrained by bore-hole observations. Furthermore, a number of areas have now been identified, due to the difference in their estimated temperature from previous methods, which warrant further study.

The Australian Geothermal Association compiled data on the installed capacity of direct-use geothermal and geoexchange systems in Australia, including large-scale ground source heat pumps and hot sedimentary applications through to December 2018. Large-scale direct-use hot sedimentary aquifer systems includes systems to heat swimming pools or provide hydronic heating systems. In geoexchange systems, the Earth acts as a heat source or a heat sink, exploiting the temperature difference between the surface (atmosphere) and at depth. The temperature of the Earth just a few metres below the surface is much more consistent than atmospheric temperature, especially in seasonal climates. These resources do not require the addition of geothermal heat.

This map presents radiogenic crustal heat production values calculated from available geochemical data from basement rock exposures from across the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT). Heat production is derived from the radiogenic decay of the radioactive elements, primarily, U, Th and K. This map, along with the companion GA record (2012/63), highlights the magnitude and heterogeneity of crustal heat production across the AAT, and provides earth scientists with the first crustal heat production assessment across much of East Antarctica. Crustal heat production values across the AAT show a wide range from negligible to as much as 65 'Wm-3. Generally, elevated heat production values are characteristic of Cambrian felsic intrusives, with intermediate values from Proterozoic intrusive and metasediments (2-8 Wm-3), and low values (<2 'Wm-3) from Archean rocks. A good illustration of the correlation of geological age with heat production is from Prydz Bay (map 5), where the Vestfold Hills (mostly ~2500 Ma in age) exhibits uniformly low heat production (average ~0.8 'Wm-3), whereas Proterozoic rocks south of the Vestfold Hills have intermediate values (average ~2.6 'Wm-3). Cambrian intrusives, in contrast, have significantly elevated values (average ~15 'Wm-3). We anticipate that this simple compilation of crustal heat production may form a basis for future studies on the thermal structure of the East Antarctic crust, in particular, sub-glacial heat flow, which remains a critical, yet poorly characterised, boundary parameter controlling the dynamic behaviour of the vast Antarctic ice sheet. For further information and data tables, the reader is referred to 'A reconnaissance crustal heat production assessment of the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT)' by C. J. Carson and M. Pittard, GA record 2012/063 (pp 57), Geocat 74073.

Heat flow data across Australia are sparse, with around 150 publicly-available data-points. The heat flow data are unevenly distributed and mainly come from studies undertaken by the Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR) and the Research School Earth Sciences at the Australian National University in the 1960s and 1970s. Geoscience Australia has continued work started under the federally-funded Onshore Energy Security Program (OESP), collecting data to add to the heat flow coverage of the continent. This report presents temperature, natural gamma and thermal conductivity data for eight boreholes across Australia. Temperature logging was performed down hole with temperatures recorded at intervals less than 20 cm. Samples of drill core were taken from each well and measured for thermal conductivity at Geoscience Australia. One dimensional, conductive heat flow models for the boreholes are presented here. These new determinations will add to the 53 already released by Geoscience Australia under the OESP, totalling 61 determinations added to the Australian continental heat flow dataset since 2007.

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy technology reported to have a large potential resource base. However, existing geothermal data for Australia (borehole temperatures and heat flow determinations), are limited and collection of additional data is both time consuming and restricted to accessing to wells drilled for other purposes. It is therefore important to develop "deposit" or resource models to aid exploration; improving the quality of subsurface thermal estimates, and helping to identify the distal footprints of geothermal systems. Conceptually, the fundamental requirements of a geothermal system are well understood. However, the complex interplay between the various elements makes it difficult to compare different geographical regions and to assess their relative prospectively. As such, the results of some 130,000 synthetic thermal-modelling runs have been used to calibrate a new tool called the 'Geothermal Calculator'. The Calculator acts as an emulator, or surrogate model, falling into a class of functions which seek to approximate the input / output behaviour of more-complex systems. This presentation will explore the mechanics of the Calculator, before examining some of its possible uses; from simple point-spot estimates to the broader continental scale. The functionality of the Geothermal Calculator presents a significant step forward in our ability to produce subsurface temperature estimates, and represents a notable milestone in the pathway to realising our subsurface geothermal energy potential.

The Australian Geothermal Association compiled data on the installed capacity of direct-use geothermal and geoexchange systems in Australia, including large-scale ground source heat pumps and hot sedimentary applications through to December 2018. Large-scale direct-use hot sedimentary aquifer systems includes systems to heat swimming pools or provide hydronic heating systems. In geoexchange systems, the Earth acts as a heat source or a heat sink, exploiting the temperature difference between the surface (atmosphere) and at depth. The temperature of the Earth just a few metres below the surface is much more consistent than atmospheric temperature, especially in seasonal climates. These resources do not require the addition of geothermal heat.

<div>This report presents thermal property data (thermal conductivity data, calculated heat production data, and calculated surface heat flow) from the deep (1751 m) stratigraphic drill hole, NDI Carrara 1. Thermal conductivity analyses were undertaken at the University of Melbourne. Heat production values were calculated from existing whole rock geochemical data. Surface heat flow was determined using the laboratory thermal conductivity data together with in situ downhole temperature data collected previously.</div>

<div>Lithospheric structure and composition have direct relevance for our understanding of mineral prospectivity. Aspects of the lithosphere can be imaged using geophysical inversion or analysed from exhumed samples at the surface of the Earth, but it is a challenge to ensure consistency between competing models and datasets. The LitMod platform provides a probabilistic inversion framework that uses geology as the fabric to unify multiple geophysical techniques and incorporates a priori geochemical information. Here, we present results from the application of LitMod to the Australian continent. The rasters summarise the results and performance of a Markov-chain Monte Carlo sampling from the posterior model space. Release KY22 is developed using the primary-mode Rayleigh phase velocity grids of Yoshizawa (2014).</div><div><br></div><div>Geoscience Australia's Exploring for the Future program provides precompetitive information to inform decision-making by government, community and industry on the sustainable development of Australia's mineral, energy and groundwater resources. By gathering, analysing and interpreting new and existing precompetitive geoscience data and knowledge, we are building a national picture of Australia's geology and resource potential. This leads to a strong economy, resilient society and sustainable environment for the benefit of all Australians. This includes supporting Australia's transition to a low emissions economy, strong resources and agriculture sectors, and economic opportunities and social benefits for Australia's regional and remote communities. The Exploring for the Future program, which commenced in 2016, is an eight year, $225m investment by the Australian Government.</div>

<p>The Geological Survey of South Australia commissioned the Gawler Craton Airborne Survey (GCAS) as part of the PACE Copper initiative. The airborne geophysical survey was flown over parts of the Gawler Craton in South Australia. The program was designed to capture new baseline geoscientific data to provide further information on the geological context and setting of the area for mineral systems (http://energymining.sa.gov.au/minerals/geoscience/pace_copper/gawler_craton_airborne_survey). <p>The survey design of 200 m spaced lines at a ground clearance of 60 m can be compared with the design of previous regional surveys which generally employed 400 m line spacing and a ground clearance of 80 m. The new survey design results in ~2 x the data coverage and ~25% closer to the ground when compared to previous standards for regional surveys in South Australia. <p>Survey blocks available for download include: <p>Streaky Bay, block 5 <p>Gairdner, block 6A <p>Spencer, block 7 <p>Kingoonya, block 9B <p>The following grids are available in this download: <p>• Laser-derived digital elevation model grids (m). Height relative to the Australian Height Datum. <p>• Radar-derived digital elevation model grids (m). Height relative to the Australian Height Datum. <p>• Total magnetic intensity grid (nT). <p>• Total magnetic intensity grid with variable reduction to the pole applied (nT). <p>• Total magnetic intensity grid with variable reduction to the pole and first vertical derivative applied (nT/m). <p>• Dose rate concentration grid (nGy/hr). <p>• Potassium concentration grid (%). <p>• Thorium concentration grid (ppm). <p>• Uranium concentration grid (ppm). <p>• NASVD processed dose rate concentration grid (nGy/hr). <p>• NASVD processed potassium concentration grid (%). <p>• NASVD processed thorium concentration grid (ppm). <p>• NASVD processed uranium concentration grid (ppm). <p>The following point located data are available in this download: <p>• Elevation. Height relative to the Australian Height Datum. Datum: GDA94 <p>• Total Magnetic Intensity. Datum: GDA94 <p>• Radiometrics. Datum: GDA94