Authors / CoAuthors
Wong, S.C.T. | Roach, I.C. | Nicoll, M.G. | English, P.M. | Bonnardot, M. | Brodie, R.C. | Rollet, N. | Ley-Cooper, A.Y.
Abstract
The AusAEM1 survey is the world’s largest airborne electromagnetic survey flown to date, extending across an area exceeding 1.1 million km2 over Queensland and the Northern Territory. Approximately 60 000 line kilometres of data were acquired at a nominal line spacing of 20 km. Using this dataset, we interpreted the depth to chronostratigraphic surfaces, assembled stratigraphic relationship information, and delineated structural and electrically conductive features. Our results improved understanding of upper-crustal geology, led to 3D mapping of palaeovalleys, prompted further investigation of electrical conductors and their relationship to structural features and mineralisation, and helped us continuously connect correlative outcropping units separated by up to hundreds of kilometres. Our interpretation is designed to improve targeting and outcomes for mineral, energy and groundwater exploration, and contributes to our understanding of the chronostratigraphic, structural and upper-crustal evolution of northern Australia. More than 150 000 regional depth measurements, each attributed with detailed geological information, are an important step towards a national geological framework, and offer a regional context for more detailed, smaller-scale AEM surveys. <b>Citation:</b> Wong, S.C.T., Roach, I.C., Nicoll, M.G., English, P.M., Bonnardot, M.-A., Brodie, R.C., Rollet, N. and Ley-Cooper, A.Y., 2020. Interpretation of the AusAEM1: insights from the world’s largest airborne electromagnetic survey. In: Czarnota, K., Roach, I., Abbott, S., Haynes, M., Kositcin, N., Ray, A. and Slatter, E. (eds.) Exploring for the Future: Extended Abstracts, Geoscience Australia, Canberra, 1–4.
Product Type
document
eCat Id
134283
Contact for the resource
Point of contact
Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
Canberra
ACT
2601
Australia
Point of contact
Resource provider
Digital Object Identifier
Keywords
- theme.ANZRC Fields of Research.rdf
-
- GEOPHYSICSGEOLOGYStructural GeologyElectrical and Electromagnetic Methods in Geophysics
- ( Project )
-
- AusAEM
- ( Project )
-
- Exploring for the Future
- ( Project )
-
- EFTF
-
- Basins
-
- Surface
-
- Airborne Electromagnetics
- ( Place )
-
- North Australia Craton
- ( Place )
-
- Northern Australia
-
- Published_External
Publication Date
2020-06-17T07:23:36
Creation Date
Security Constraints
Legal Constraints
Status
final
Purpose
EFTF Extended Abstract
Maintenance Information
asNeeded
Topic Category
geoscientificInformation
Series Information
Lineage
Interpretation of AusAEM1 conductivity sections sheds new light on basin and structural features, providing insights into sedimentary cover, mineral provinces and groundwater systems in Northern Australia. Outcomes include: 1) regional depth to basement measurements; 2) re-evaluation of sedimentary basin boundaries and thicknesses; 3) detection and structural analysis of palaeovalleys; and 4) mapped geometry and distribution of conductive features. These interpretations help characterise undercover geology, improve mineral and groundwater exploration targeting, and add to our understanding of the chronostratigraphic, structural and tectonic evolution of northern Australia.
Parent Information
Extents
[-24.10, -16.00, 132.00, 144.00]
Reference System
Spatial Resolution
Service Information
Associations
Source Information