Cooper Basin region 3D map (Version 1) consisting of surfaces of buried granites and basin features

Brief description

A 3D map of the Cooper Basin region has been produced over an area of 300 x 450 km to a depth of 20 km. The 3D map was constructed from 3D inversions of gravity data using geological data to constrain the inversions. It delineates regions of low density within the basement of the Cooper/Eromanga Basins that are inferred to be granitic bodies. This interpretation is supported by a spatial correlation between the modelled bodies and known granite occurrences. The 3D map, which also delineates the 3D geometries of the Cooper and Eromanga Basins, therefore incorporates both potential heat sources and thermally insulating cover, key elements in locating a geothermal play. This study was conducted as part of Geoscience Australia's Onshore Energy Security Program, Geothermal Energy Project.

Lineage

Maintenance and Update Frequency: unknown

Statement: Z horizon: The unconformity at the base of the Cooper Basin is mapped as the Z horizon and was generated by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources (PIRSA) from existing open file seismic sections, industry interpretations and 1300 wells (http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/petroleum/home/access_to_data/seismic_data/seismic_mapping/cooper_basin). The surface was generated in GoCad from an ERMapper format grid.

C horizon: The Cadna-owie Formation is a sandstone aquifer near the base of the Cretaceous. The top of the formation corresponds to a prominent seismic horizon and was generated by PIRSA from existing open file seismic sections, industry interpretations and 1300 wells (http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/petroleum/home/access_to_data/seismic_data/seismic_mapping/cooper_basin). The surface was generated in GoCad from an RMapper format grid.

Topography: The topographic surface was generated in GoCad from an ERMapper format grid of the 9 second Degital Elevation Model of Australia (2008), downloaded from GA's GADDS data delivery system (http://www.ga.gov.au/minerals/exploration/index.jsp#geophys).

Granites: The base of granites surface was generated from inversions of gravity data. The gravity data was sourced from GA's GADDS data delivery system (http://www.ga.gov.au/minerals/exploration/index.jsp#geophys).