Publication Name: The Sedimentary Basins of WA
Authors: T. J. Currie, R. Alexander and R. I. Kagi
Publication Volume: 2
Date Published: December 1998
Number of Pages: 20
Reference Type: Book Section
Abstract:
Coastal bitumens collected from the Western Australian coastline have been analysed for chemical fossils and the results combined with similar data for crude oils from the western continental margin. One group of asphaltic bitumens that occur along the south and southwestern coastline contain novel biomarkers that are similar to those of hydrocarbons of Lower Triassic age from the Perth Basin. The carbon isotope compositions of the two sample types are also similar and indicate a common source. These results together with the stranding pattern of the bitumens, point to an origin from the northern Perth Basin. The hydrocarbons may enter the marine environment via natural seeps and are dispersed via south and westerly flowing ocean currents to their stranding locations.Recognition of the origin of a sulphur-rich crude oil derived from marine organic matter from the Perth Basin suggests that further exploration in the offshore northern Perth Basin may he rewarding.