Publication Name: Second South-Eastern Australia Oil Exploration Symposium - Technical Papers
Authors: K. Hinz, J.B. Willcox, M. Whiticar, H.-R. Kudrass, N.F. Exon and D.A. Feary
Date Published: December 1986
Number of Pages: 27
Reference Type: Book Section
Abstract:
Recent multichannel seismic and sampling cruises of the West German research vessel Sonne have enabled us to reassess the petroleum potential of the west Tasmanian margin. The seismic stratigraphy is directly related to that of Otway Basin, and is dated by tying to Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) and exploration drillsites, and to geological sample sites on the continental slope. Fourteen unconformities, ranging in age from Early Cretaceous to Miocene, are identified.Gas analyses from 27 areas (55 samples) have shown that wet gas of thermogenic origin is abundant in the surface sediments. Nine cores from west of Clam No. 1 and Cape Sorell No. 1, in water depths of 362 to 3795 metres, gave particularly high values (maximum 1363 ppb). The geochemical results, in conjunction with the
occurrence of petroleum source rocks in DSDP Site 282 and free oil in Cape Sorell No. 1, indicate the presence of mature source rocks beneath the west Tasmanian continental margin. Areas of thick section and potential
petroleum traps appear to be present.