1887
Volume 18, Issue 4
  • ISSN: 0812-3985
  • E-ISSN: 1834-7533

Abstract

The results of a detailed examination of reprocessed single fold reflection seismic data from the southern Sydney Basin is presented here. This work was undertaken in conjunction with a major re-evaluation of existing subsurface data for the Late Permian succession using a eustasy based depositional sequence model. Such depositional sequences are bounded by regional unconformity surfaces which give rise to laterally continuous seismic reflections of consistent and strong character.

Synthetic seismograms have been used to tie precisely the seismic data to the sequence boundaries recognised in well log and core data. Time structure maps have been prepared for two of these surfaces together with five sequence isochron maps. The structural style and sequence geometries can be related to timing of structural events and indicate structural growth during deposition.

Although no large-scale structural closure exists within the area of the seismic surveys, a number of potential stratigraphic hydrocarbon plays have been recognised. The base of each sequence within the lllawarra Coal Measures comprises a laterally extensive, coarse fluvial sandstone reservoir facies which fills the incised unconformity surface developed during a rapid eustatic fall. These basal units are overlain by an areally-extensive siltstone/shale seal facies which was laid down during the subsequent transgressive part of the eustatic cycle.

Preservation potential of reservoir quality within the lower half of the succession investigated (Broughton Formation and Pheasants Nest Formation) is poor due to the predominance of chemically immature and diagenetically reactive volcanic lithic detritus. However, some of the upper sequences contain basal quartzarenite or quartz-lithic sandstone which could form potential exploration targets for tight gas reservoirs.

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1987-09-01
2026-01-16
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References

  1. Arditto, P. A. (1985)–‘Hummocky cross-stratification as an environmental indicator in the Late Premian upper Shoalhaven Group, southern Sydney Basin’, Abstr. 19th Symposium on Advances in the study of the Sydney Basin, Dept. Geol. Univ. Newcastle, 1985.
  2. Arditto, P. A. (1987)–‘Eustasy, sequence stratigraphic analysis and peat formation: A model for widespread Late Permian coal deposition in the Sydney Basin, NSW’, Abstr. 21st Symposium on Advances in the study of the Sydney Basin, Dept. Geol. Univ. Newcastle, 1987, 11-17.
  3. Bowman, H. N. 1974. ‘Geology of the Wollongong, Kiama, and Robertson. 1:50,000 Sheets’, 179 pp. Geol. surv. NSW, Sydney.
  4. Bunny, M. R. (1972)–‘Geology and coal resources of the southern catchment coal reserve, southern Sydney Basin, New South Wales’, Bull. geol. surv. NSW, 22. 146 pp.
  5. Carr, P. F. (1983)–‘A reappraisal of the stratigraphy of the upper Shoalhaven Group and lllawarra Coal Measures in the Wollongong-Kiama area, New South Wales’, Proc. Sinn. Soc. NSW 106(4), 287-297.
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  7. Herbert, C. (1987)–‘Petroleum prospectivity in the Sydney Basin’, Abstr. 21st Symposium on Advances in the Study of the Sydney Basin, Dept. Geol. Univ. Newcastle, 1987, 107-113.
  8. Macrae, G. P. (1978)–‘A study of the palaeocurrents in the lllawarra Coal Measures, Narrabeen Group and Hawkesbury Sandstone of the lllawarra district, New South Wales’, B.Sc. (Hons) Thesis, Univ. Wollongong (Unpubl.).
  9. Mayne, S. J., Nicholas, E., Bigg-Wither, A. I., Rasidi, J. S. & Raine, M. J. (1974)–‘Geology of the Sydney Basin – A Review’, Bureau Min. Resourc. Geol. Geophy. Bull.149, 229 pp.
  10. Mullard, B. W., Baker, C. J. & Bowman, H. N. (1983)–‘Interesting hydrocarbon occurrences in a coal borehole in the Picton area, southern Sydney Basin’, Geol. surv. N.S.W. Quart. Notes 51, 17-26.
  11. Vail, P. R., Mitchum, R. M. Jr. & Thompson, S. Ill (1977)–‘The depositional sequence as a basic unit for stratigraphic analysis’, in: Payton, C. E. (ed.), Seismic Stratigraphy – Applications to Hydrocarbon Exploration. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol., Mem. 26, 53-62.
  12. Vail, P. R., Hardenbol, J. & Todd, R. G. (1984)–‘Jurassic Unconformities, Chronostratigraphy, and sea-level changes from seismic stratigraphy and biostratigraphy’, in: Schlee, J. S. (ed.), Interregional Unconformities and Hydrocarbon Accumulation. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol. Mem. 36, 129-144.
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