Publication Name: Australasian Exploration Geoscience Conference 2019
Authors: Ken Lawrie, Des Yinfoo, Niels B. Christensen, Kokpiang Tan, Neil Symington, Donna Cathro, Larysa Halas, Stephen Hostetler, Chris Harris-Pascal, Andrew McPherson, Christian Seiler, John Wischusen
Date Published: September 2019
Number of Pages: 5
Abstract:
The development of Northern Australia has been identified as a national priority, with water availability being fundamental to economic development. Surface water options are limited hence identification of new groundwater resources and water banking options is essential. Over the past four years, Geoscience Australia, in concert with State and Territory partners, has been involved in focussed groundwater investigations in 10 geographic areas as well as broader regional investigations (Figure 1). New data acquisition has included airborne electromagnetics (AEM); drilling (sonic, rotary mud, air core and diamond); slug and bore testing; ground geophysics (surface nuclear magnetic resonance, microgravity, passive seismic, seismic reflection and ground-penetrating radar); borehole geophysics (induction, spectral gamma, nuclear magnetic resonance); hydrochemical and hydrodynamic analysis; age dating of water and landscape materials; and mapping (geomorphic, morphotectonic, regolith, geological and hydrological). These investigations inform hydrogeological assessments and water allocation planning.