DOCSLIB.ORG

The Latrobe Formation in the Gippsland Basin \(SE Australia\) As a Potential Reservoir for Underground CO2 –Storage- a Lite

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Latrobe Formation in the Gippsland Basin \(SE Australia\) As a Potential Reservoir for Underground CO2 –Storage- a Lite 33.5324.00/05/03 Confidential REPORT The Latrobe Formation in the Gippsland Basin (SE Australia) as a potential reservoir for underground CO2 –storage - A literature-based evaluation drawing on experience from the North Sea Sleipner case Peter Zweigel & Erik Lindeberg SINTEF Petroleum Research August 2003 REPORT TITLE The Latrobe Formation in the Gippsland Basin (SE Australia) as SINTEF Petroleumsforskning AS a potential reservoir for underground CO2 –storage SINTEF Petroleum Research - A literature-based evaluation drawing on experience from the North Sea Sleipner case N-7465 Trondheim, Norway Telephone: +47 73 59 11 00 AUTHOR(S) Fax: +47 73 59 11 02 (aut.) Peter Zweigel & Erik Lindeberg Enterprise no.: NO 936 882 331 MVA CLASSIFICATION CLIENT(S) Confidential Statoil, SACS consortium, NFR-KLIMATEK REPORT NO. 33.5324.00/05/03 REG. NO. DATE PROJECT MANAGER SIGN. 2003.034 4 August 2003 Peter Zweigel Peter Zweigel NO. OF PAGES NO. OF APPENDICES LINE MANAGER SIGN. 45 2 Torleif Holt Torleif Holt SUMMARY The Gippsland basin offshore southeast Australia is a large petroleum province close to major onshore CO2 point sources. Based on publicly available literature, this study investigates the technical suitability for storage of anthropogenic CO2 underground in the Gippsland basin as a potential means to reduce CO2 emission to the atmosphere. The evaluation is based on experiences from the underground storage project at the Sleipner field (North Sea). The main reservoir system in the Gippsland basin consists of siliciclastic rocks of the upper Latrobe Group as the reservoir and the carbonaceous deposits of the Seaspray Group as the seal. Efficacy of this system is proven by the existence of large hydrocarbon accumulations. Reservoir parameters indicate that the system is likely to be suitable for underground CO2 storage. For a pilot phase, storage in strongly or partly depleted oil fields is suggested. Already produced oil corresponds to an available pore 6 space for storage of approximately 250·10 tons CO2, which is around five times the annual CO2 emissions from use of coal for electricity and heat production in the adjacent state of Victoria. Underground CO2 storage in the Gippsland basin is therefore rated as a major option to reduce emissions considerably. Prior to start of injection of CO2 into the Latrobe Group, technical investigations will be necessary. These need especially address the effect of CO2-brine mixtures on the reservoir and seal rocks, and potential adverse consequences for site stability and long-term seal efficacy. KEYWORDS ENGLISH KEYWORDS NORWEGIAN Gippsland basin Gippslandbassenget Australia Australia Underground CO2 storage Underjordisk karbondioksidlagring Literature study Litteraturstudie 3/99 \\Boss\ik23428500\latrobe\Latrobe report_wfig_final.doc\PZ\1\04.08.2003 - 2 - Table of Contents 1. Executive summary................................................................................................3 2. Background and purpose of the study .................................................................4 3. Requirements for underground CO2 storage sites..............................................7 4. The Latrobe Group/Gippsland basin reservoir system......................................9 4.1 Geological overview.......................................................................................9 4.2 Geological reservoir properties of the Latrobe Group..................................13 4.3 Temperature and pressure at storage site level.............................................15 4.4 Seal properties ..............................................................................................18 4.5 Traps .............................................................................................................21 4.6 CO2 properties at reservoir conditions..........................................................23 5. Discussion..............................................................................................................28 5.1 Reservoir formation suitability.....................................................................28 5.2 Seal efficacy .................................................................................................28 5.3 Storage capacity............................................................................................29 5.4 Monitoring....................................................................................................31 5.5 Additional precautions..................................................................................35 5.6 Use of CO2 for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) ..............................................35 6. Conclusions and recommendations ....................................................................37 7. References.............................................................................................................39 \\Boss\ik23428500\latrobe\Latrobe report_wfig_final.doc\PZ\2\04.08.2003 - 3 - 1. Executive summary Power production based on local coal deposits in Victoria (SE Australia) generates large amounts of CO2 which are emitted to the air. The neighbouring, offshore Gippsland basin is a mature hydrocarbon province in which the existence of large hydrocarbon fields proves efficacy of the reservoir-seal system. This literature-based study investigates the technical suitability for storage of anthropogenic CO2 underground in the Gippsland basin as a potential means to reduce CO2 emission to the atmosphere. Major technical conditions for feasibility of underground CO2 storage are the availability of sufficiently large storage volumes, high density of CO2 at reservoir conditions, high permeability of the reservoir formation, and the absence of negative effects due to reactions of the CO2-water brine with the host and seal rock. Further, seal efficacy must be ascertained prior to injection, and it may be desirable to be able to monitor the distribution of CO2 in the underground. In the Gippsland Basin, the reservoir system consists of the Cretaceous to Oligocene, siliciclastic Latrobe Group as the reservoir and the Oligocene to recent, carbonaceous Seaspray Group as the seal. Especially the top parts of the Latrobe Group exhibit very good reservoir properties and host large hydrocarbon accumulations. These accumulations document excellent seal efficacy. The seal rock is carbonaceous and the reservoir rocks contain locally significant amounts of carbonate minerals. Potential reactions of CO2-containing brine with these rocks may have adverse effects on storage site safety and must be addressed adequately prior to start of any potential CO2 injection. Hydrocarbon fields in their final stages of production are suggested here as the prime targets for pilot underground CO2 storage projects in this basin. This is because these sites have demonstrated seal efficacy and because relevant on-site infrastructure exists. Furthermore, injected CO2 may help to enhance oil recovery from these fields, therefore generating an economic value for the CO2. Typical net storage volumes per trap have been estimated here to be in the order of 0.1 9 3 – 0.5·10 m for the larger traps. CO2 density at reservoir conditions is expected to vary as a function of geothermal gradient from approx. 350 kg/m3 in the western, proximal fields to approx. 600 kg/m3 in the eastern, distal fields. The typical storage capacity in the large traps is thus estimated to be approx. 100·106 tons per trap, which is 5 times the quantity planned to become injected in the Sleipner case. Production of hydrocarbons from the Gippsland basin until now provides pore space for 6 approximately 250·10 tons CO2. This corresponds to 5 times the annual CO2 emissions from use of coal for electricity and heat production in Victoria. Underground CO2 storage in the Gippsland basin could thus contribute significantly to reduce annual emission rates over a period of a few 10s of years. Economics have not been considered quantitatively here, but we note that costs for pipelines may provide a hurdle for the economic feasibility of underground CO2 storage in the Gippsland basin. \\Boss\ik23428500\latrobe\Latrobe report_wfig_final.doc\PZ\3\04.08.2003 - 4 - 2. Background and purpose of the study Australia contributes approximately 1.5% of global total anthropogenic greenhouse gases, its per capita emission of 33.3 tons/year (1990 data) being the highest of all OECD countries (Durie 1998 after Samarin 1999). Stationary electricity and heat 6 production accounts for 171·10 tons CO2 emissions per year (1999 data), which is approximately 55 % of all CO2 emitted annually in Australia (AGO 2001). Increased energy demand in this sector caused a rise of greenhouse gas emissions by 1.9% from 1998 to 1999 in spite of declining average emission intensity. Approximately 93% of the CO2 emitted from the stationary energy production sector come from firing of brown and black coal (AGO 2001). Victoria, as the Australian state onshore of the Gippsland basin (Figure 2.1), has extensive coal production. Much of this coal production is located directly onshore of the Gippsland basin, because the Latrobe Group, which is the main source rock for Gippsland basin hydrocarbon accumulations (e.g. Rahmanian 1990), contains abundant coals that are exploited onshore. Several power plants, predominantly utilising locally mined brown coal, are situated in southeastern Victoria (Figure 2.2a) and additional such plants are planned (Figure 2.2b) to meet increasing energy demands. In 1995, CO2 emissions
Load more

Recommended publications
  • An Environmental Profile of the Loddon Mallee Region
    An Environmental Profile of the Loddon Mallee Region View from Mount Alexander looking East, May 1998. Interim Report March 1999 Loddon Mallee Regional Planning Branch CONTENTS 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY …………………………………………………………………………….. 1 2. INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 Part A Major Physical Features of the Region 3. GEOGRAPHY ………………………………………………………………………… 5 3.1 GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 3.1.1 Location ………………………………………………………………………………………... 5 3.1.2 Diversity of Landscape ……………………………………………………………………….…. 5 3.1.3 History of Non-Indigenous Settlement ……………………………………………………………. 5 3.2 TOPOGRAPHY………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 3.2.1 Major Landforms ………………………………………………………………………..………. 6 3.2.1.1 Southern Mountainous Area …………………………………………………………….…………..…. 6 3.2.1.2 Hill Country …………………………………………………………………………………….…….………. 6 3.2.1.3 Riverine ………………………………………………………………………………………….……………. 6 3.2.1.4 Plains …………………………………………………………………………………………….….……….. 6 3.2.1.5 Mallee …………………………………………………………………………………………….….………. 7 3.3 GEOLOGY …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8 3.3.1 Major Geological Features …………………………………………………………….………… 8 3.3.2 Earthquakes …………………………………………………………………………………….. 10 4. CLIMATE ……………………………………………………………………………… 11 4.1 RAINFALL …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….. 11 4.2 TEMPERATURE ……………………………………………………………………………….………. 12 4.2.1 Average Maximum and Minimum Temperatures …………………………………………….………… 12 4.2.1 Temperature Anomalies ………………………………………………………………….……… 13 4.2.3 Global Influences on Weather…………………………………………………………………….
    [Show full text]
  • PETROLEUM SYSTEM of the GIPPSLAND BASIN, AUSTRALIA by Michele G
    uses science for a changing world PETROLEUM SYSTEM OF THE GIPPSLAND BASIN, AUSTRALIA by Michele G. Bishop1 Open-File Report 99-50-Q 2000 This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with the U. S. Geological Survey editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic Code. Any use of trade names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsements by the U. S. government. U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Consultant, Wyoming PG-783, contracted to USGS, Denver, Colorado FOREWORD This report was prepared as part of the World Energy Project of the U.S. Geological Survey. In the project, the world was divided into 8 regions and 937 geologic provinces. The provinces have been ranked according to the discovered oil and gas volumes within each (Klett and others, 1997). Then, 76 "priority" provinces (exclusive of the U.S. and chosen for their high ranking) and 26 "boutique" provinces (exclusive of the U.S. and chosen for their anticipated petroleum richness or special regional economic importance) were selected for appraisal of oil and gas resources. The petroleum geology of these priority and boutique provinces is described in this series of reports. The purpose of this effort is to aid in assessing the quantities of oil, gas, and natural gas liquids that have the potential to be added to reserves within the next 30 years. These volumes either reside in undiscovered fields whose sizes exceed the stated minimum- field-size cutoff value for the assessment unit (variable, but must be at least 1 million barrels of oil equivalent) or occur as reserve growth of fields already discovered.
    [Show full text]
  • Miocene Wood from the Latrobe Valley Coal Measures, Victoria
    Miocene wood from the LaTrobe Valley coal measures, Victoria,. Australia DAVID R. GREENWOOD GREENWOOD, DAVID R., 30.9.2005. Miocene wood from the LaTrobe Valley coal measures, Victoria, Australia. Alcheringa 29, 351-363. ISSN 0311 5518. An initial study of a collection of fossil conifer wood is reported from the late early Miocene Yallourn Clays, an interseam unit intergrading into the base of the early to middle Miocene Yallourn seam of the LaTrobe Valley, Victoria in southeastern Australia. The fossil wood shares characteristics with the modern genera Dacrycarpus and Dacrydium. On the basis of contiguous, uniseriate tracheid pitting and 1-2 podocarpoid cross field pits, it is placed in the form genus Podocarpoxylon, and the new species P. latrobensis. The wood is compared with extant Podocarpaceae and other Australian fossil woods. Its ring anatomy is consistent with low temperature or rainfall seasonality in the early Miocene. David R. Greenwood [[email protected]], Sustainability Group, Victoria University, St Albans campus, PO Box 14428, Melbourne City MC, VIC 8001, Australia; received 18.7.2003; revised 6.1.2005. Current address; Environmental Science, Brandon University, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada, R7A 6A9. Key words: Miocene, wood, Podocarpaceae, coal, LaTrobe Valley, Australia MIOCENE vegetation in Australia is primarily Australia (Taylor et al. 1990), a wood character known from fossil pollen and the macrofossil that is consistent with deciduous forests record of leaves or reproductive organs. Bishop (Greenwood 2001). The paucity of systematic & Bamber (1985), Leisman (1986), and Bamford & analysis of Australian Cenozoic wood is McLoughlin (2000), are the sole recent systematic perplexing given the abundance of material readily accounts of Australian Cenozoic fossil wood, available and the attention given to systematic although early and more recent Australian analysis of modern taxa of Australian forest trees workers noted the presence and quality of (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • The Geology and Prospectivity of the Southern Margin of the Murray Basin
    VIMP Report 4 The geology and prospectivity of the southern margin of the Murray Basin by M.D. BUSH, R.A. CAYLEY, S. ROONEY, K. SLATER, & M.L. WHITEHEAD March 1995 Bibliographic reference: BUSH, M.D., CAYLEY, R.A., ROONEY, S., SLATER, K., & WHITEHEAD, M.L., 1995. The geology and prospectivity of the southern margin of the Murray Basin. Geological Survey of Victoria. VIMP Report 4. © Crown (State of Victoria) Copyright 1995 Geological Survey of Victoria ISSN 1323 4536 ISBN 0 7306 7412 6 This report and attached map roll may be purchased from: Business Centre, Department of Agriculture, Energy & Minerals, Ground Floor, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy 3065 For further technical information contact: General Manager, Geological Survey of Victoria, P O Box 2145, MDC Fitzroy 3065 Acknowledgments The preparation of this report has benefited from discussions with a number of colleagues from the Geological Survey of Victoria, notably David Taylor, Alan Willocks, Roger Buckley and Iain McHaffie. The authors would also like to thank Gayle Ellis for the formatting and Roger Buckley for the editing of this report. GEOLOGY AND PROSPECTIVITY - SOUTHERN MARGIN MURRAY BASIN 1 CONTENTS Abstract 3 1 Introduction 4 2 Geological history 5 2.1 Adelaide Fold Belt 5 2.2 Lachlan Fold Belt 5 3 Summary of rock units 8 3.1 Early to Middle Cambrian (The Glenelg Zone) 8 3.2 Middle to Late Cambrian (The Glenelg Zone and the Stawell Zone) 8 3.3 Cambro-Ordovician (The Stawell Zone) 9 3.4 Ordovician (The Glenelg Zone) 10 3.5 Ordovician (The Bendigo-Ballarat Zone) 10 3.6 Late
    [Show full text]
  • Geology and Mineral Resources of the Northern Territory
    Geology and mineral resources of the Northern Territory Ahmad M and Munson TJ (compilers) Northern Territory Geological Survey Special Publication 5 Chapter 26: Victoria Basin BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE: Dunster JN and Ahmad M, 2013. Chapter 26: Victoria Basin: in Ahmad M and Munson TJ (compilers). ‘Geology and mineral resources of the Northern Territory’. Northern Territory Geological Survey, Special Publication 5. Disclaimer While all care has been taken to ensure that information contained in this publication is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of its information. The Northern Territory of Australia gives no warranty or assurance, and makes no representation as to the accuracy of any information or advice contained in this publication, or that it is suitable for your intended use. You should not rely upon information in this publication for the purpose of making any serious business or investment decisions without obtaining independent and/or professional advice in relation to your particular situation. The Northern Territory of Australia disclaims any liability or responsibility or duty of care towards any person for loss or damage caused by any use of, or reliance on the information contained in this publication. Victoria Basin Current as of March 2010 Chapter 26: VICTORIA BASIN JN Dunster and M Ahmad INTRODUCTION estimate of the age of the group. The minimum age of the succession is constrained by an inferred age of about The Neoproterozoic Victoria Basin is exposed in the Victoria 635 Ma or younger for the Moonlight Valley Tillite of River area of the northwestern NT, where it unconformably the overlying Wolfe Basin, based on correlations of this overlies the Palaeo–Mesoproterozoic Birrindudu Basin unit with the Olympic and Elatina formations from the (Figure 26.1).
    [Show full text]
  • The Geology and Prospectivity of the Castlemaine, Woodend, Yea and Part of Bacchus Marsh 1:100 000 Map Sheets
    VIMP Report 51 The geology and prospectivity of the Castlemaine, Woodend, Yea and part of Bacchus Marsh 1:100 000 map sheets J. E. Edwards, C. E. Willman, I. W. McHaffie, A. Olshina and A. J. Willocks November 1997 Bibliographic reference: EDWARDS, J.E., WILLMAN, C.E., MCHAFFIE, I.W., OLSHINA, A. and WILLOCKS, A.J., 1997. The geology and prospectivity of the Castlemaine, Woodend, Yea and part of Bacchus Marsh 1:100 000 map sheets.. Victorian Initiative for Minerals and Petroleum Report 51. Department of Natural Resources and Environment. © Crown (State of Victoria) Copyright 1997 Geological Survey of Victoria ISSN 1323 4536 ISBN 0 7306 9430 5 This report may be purchased from: Business Centre, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Ground Floor, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 For further technical information contact: Manager, Geological Survey of Victoria, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, P O Box 500, East Melbourne, Victoria 3065 Acknowledgements The authors wishes to thank G. Ellis for formatting the document, P. O’Shea and R. Buckley for editing the document and D. Jansen for figure formation. GEOLOGY AND PROSPECTIVITY - CASTLEMAINE, WOODEND, YEA, BACCHUS MARSH 1 Contents Abstract 3 1 Introduction 4 2 Geology 6 2.1 Geological history 7 2.2 Stratigraphy 9 Cambrian 9 Lower Ordovician 10 Upper Ordovician 12 Silurian-Devonian 12 Permian 15 Triassic 16 Tertiary 16 Quaternary 17 2.3 Intrusive rocks 17 2.4 Structure 20 Bendigo Zone 20 Melbourne Zone 21 Ballan Graben 22 3 Economic geology 23 3.1 History
    [Show full text]
  • 2.3 Conceptual Modelling for the Gippsland Basin Bioregion This Product Summarises Key System Components, Processes and Interactions in This Bioregion
    Conceptual modelling for the Gippsland Basin bioregion Product 2.3 from the Gippsland Basin Bioregional Assessment 2018 The Bioregional Assessment Programme The Bioregional Assessment Programme is a transparent and accessible programme of baseline assessments that increase the available science for decision making associated with coal seam gas and large coal mines. A bioregional assessment is a scientific analysis of the ecology, hydrology, geology and hydrogeology of a bioregion with explicit assessment of the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of coal seam gas and large coal mining development on water resources. This Programme draws on the best available scientific information and knowledge from many sources, including government, industry and regional communities, to produce bioregional assessments that are independent, scientifically robust, and relevant and meaningful at a regional scale. The Programme is funded by the Australian Government Department of the Environment. For more information, visit http://www.bioregionalassessments.gov.au. Department of the Environment The Office of Water Science, within the Australian Government Department of the Environment, is strengthening the regulation of coal seam gas and large coal mining development by ensuring that future decisions are informed by substantially improved science and independent expert advice about the potential water related impacts of those developments. For more information, visit http://www.environment.gov.au/coal-seam-gas-mining/. Bureau of Meteorology The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia’s national weather, climate and water agency. Under the Water Act 2007, the Bureau is responsible for compiling and disseminating Australia's water information. The Bureau is committed to increasing access to water information to support informed decision making about the management of water resources.
    [Show full text]
  • The Dell, Clifton Springs
    Reference: ASM 03/01 The Dell, Clifton Springs 3-dimensional geological model September 2003 Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 1 1.1 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT .......................................................................................... 1 2 GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY ...................................................................... 2 2.1 REGIONAL GEOLOGY ................................................................................................ 2 2.1.1 Structural Geology .......................................................................................................... 2 2.1.2 Geophysics......................................................................................................................4 2.1.3 Regional bore records .................................................................................................... 4 2.2 REGIONAL GEOMORPHOLOGY.................................................................................. 6 2.2.1 Quaternary sea level fluctuations................................................................................... 6 2.3 SITE GEOLOGY ......................................................................................................... 7 2.3.1 Structural influences at the site ...................................................................................... 7 3 MODELLING................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Geomorphic Categorisation and Stream Condition Assessment of the Wimmera River Catchment Section One – Introduction Job 2901049.008 & 2901049.009
    Wimmera Catchment Management Authority Geomorphic Categorisation and Stream Condition Assessment of the Wimmera River Catchment Section One – Introduction Job 2901049.008 & 2901049.009 April 2003 APPROVED CHECKED DATE DATE © Earth Tech Engineering Pty Ltd Earth Tech Engineering Pty Ltd prepared this document for Wimmera Catchment Management Authority. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form by any means without the written permission of Wimmera Catchment Management Authority. Intellectual Property Rights All Rights Reserved. All methods, processes and commercial proposals described in this document are the confidential intellectual property of Earth Tech Engineering Pty Ltd and may not be used or disclosed to any party without the written permission of Earth Tech Engineering Pty Ltd. Earth Tech Engineering Pty Ltd ABN 61 089 482 888 Head Office 71 Queens Road Melbourne VIC 3004 Tel +61 3 8517 9200 Wimmera Catchment Management Authority – Geomorphic Categorisation and Stream Condition Assessment of the Wimmera River Catchment. Section One – Introduction. Contents List of Abbreviations ............................................................................................... 2 Background to the Investigation ............................................................................ 4 Scope of the Investigation........................................................................................................ 4 Resources utilised...................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Porifera (Calcarea: Lithonida) from the Lower Miocene Batesford Limestone, Victoria, Australia, Including a New Species Monoplectroninia Malonei Sp
    CSIRO Publishing The Royal Society of Victoria, 131, 7–17, 2019 www.publish.csiro.au/journals/rs 10.1071/RS19001 PORIFERA (CALCAREA: LITHONIDA) FROM THE LOWER MIOCENE BATESFORD LIMESTONE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, INCLUDING A NEW SPECIES MONOPLECTRONINIA MALONEI SP. NOV. FEARGHUS MCSWEENEY1, JOHN BUCKERIDGE1 AND MICHELLE KELLY2 1Earth and Oceanic Systems Group, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia 2National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Private Bag 99940, Newmarket, Auckland 1149, New Zealand Correspondence: Fearghus McSweeney, [email protected] ABSTRACT: An exceptional fauna of calcareous sponges (Porifera: Calcarea) from the lowest biofacies of the Batesford Limestone (Lower Miocene), exposed in the Australian Portland Cement Quarry, Fyansford, near Geelong, southern Victoria, is reviewed. Four species have been recognised from this biofacies by the authors: Tretocalia pezica Hinde, 1900, Bactronella australis Hinde, 1900, Plectroninia halli Hinde, 1900 and a new species, Monoplectroninia malonei sp. nov., described and named in this paper. The original descriptions of Hinde’s species have been expanded to include a more comprehensive description of ontogeny. Keywords: Porifera, Calcarea, Monoplectroninia malonei sp. nov., Batesford Limestone, Miocene, Victoria The Batesford Limestone is a fossiliferous Miocene foraminifera such as Orbulina and corresponds to the calcarenite exposed in the Australian Portland Cement ‘Miocene Climatic Optimum’ of the Lower to Lower Quarry, at Fyansford,
    [Show full text]
  • The Regolith of the Bendigo 1:100 000 Map Area
    VIMP Report 77 The regolith of the Bendigo 1:100 000 map area A. Kotsonis and E.B. Joyce March 2003 Bibliographic reference: Disclaimer: KOTSONIS, A. AND JOYCE, E.B., 2003. The regolith of This publication may be of assistance to you but the the Bendigo 1:100 000 map area. Victorian Initiative State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee for Minerals and Petroleum Report 77. Department that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is of Primary Industries. wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or © Crown (State of Victoria) Copyright 2003 other consequences which may arise from you relying Geological Survey of Victoria on any information in this publication. ISSN 1323 4536 ISBN 07306 9499 2 Keywords: Bendigo, 7724, regolith, regolithlandform mapping, geomorphology, gold, landform, landscape evolution, weathering. This report may be purchased from: Minerals Business Centre, Department of Primary Industries, 8th floor, 240 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 For further technical information contact: Manager, Geological Survey of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries PO Box 500, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 Authorship and acknowledgements The authors wish to acknowledge the Geological Survey of Victoria for their support of regolith studies in Victoria including this report. Much of the work here is sourced from ongoing Ph.D. research conducted at the University of Ballarat by Kotsonis. Stephen Carey, Martin Hughes and Stafford McKnight are gratefully acknowledged for their support of the post-graduate project. Neville Rosengren from La Trobe University provided expert knowledge on the geology and regolith of the Bendigo area.
    [Show full text]
  • Geomorphology and Quaternary History of the Australian Continental Dunefields R. J. WASSON
    Geographical Review of Japan Vol. 59 (Ser. B), No. 1, 55-67, 1986 Geomorphology and Quaternary History of the Australian Continental Dunefields R. J. WASSON This summary paper forms part of a Japanese-Australian research project on human impact in the Australian semi-arid and arid zone. The dunefields are introduced in their various geologic and geomorphic settings and the sources and types of dune sands are then examined. The chro nology of dune building is detailed from the earliest evidence of aeolian activity. This is followed by a reconstruction of the palaeoenvironment of the last dune building phases, an assessment of the impact of Aboriginal burning, and a concluding sketch of the impact of European settlement. scale anti-clockwise whorl in which sand has I. The dunefields in their geologic been transported towards the east in the and geomorphic settings southern part of the dunefield, towards the north in the eastern part, and towards the Continental dunes of varying areal density west in the northern part of the whorl. The occur on about 40% of the surface of Australia most recent mapping of the dunefield has (Figure 1), making dunefields the most common augmented JENNINGS'(1968) map and now it landform assemblage, followed by uplands, is clear that the whorl is closed on its western alluvial plains, the coastal zone, lakes and side in the Gibson Desert of Western Australia. volcanic landforms. Examples of the main dune Despite the apparent potential for transport types are shown in Figure 2. Linear dunes of of sand over long distances around the whorl, different types are dominant in the dunefields, grain size and petrographic data show that with linear narrow crested dunes outnumbering sand has not moved very far from its sources both broad crested linear dunes and very short (WASSON,1983a).
    [Show full text]