Publication Name: PESA Journal No. 25
Authors: T. Fl?ttman, P.W. Haines, C.D. Cockshell and W.V. Preiss
Publication Volume: 25
Date Published: December 1987
Number of Pages: 9
Reference Type: Journal Article
Abstract:
Seismic reflection surveys suggest that the Gulf St Vincentarea of the Stansbury Basin (South Australia) contains at
least three pre-Permian sedimentary packages. The upper
two packages may reflect sedimentation within a foreland
basin to the early Palaeozoic Delamerian Orogen, which is
exposed to the east on Fleurieu Peninsula. The packages,
which show little evidence of deformation, are separated
from the orogen by a steeply dipping fault zone. They are up
to 6000 m thick in the east, but taper to less than 500 m near
the western edge of the gulf. Seismic patterns suggest a
westward downlap of fan or lobe-shaped sedimentary
bodies. Faults along this western edge of the gulf preclude
correlation the seismic successions with onshore outcrops or
drill holes. Previous assessments of the hydrocarbon
potential of the Gulf St Vincent region have been based on
the interpretation that the succession comprises Early
Cambrian platformal rocks correlative with those seen
onshore. Our interpretation of a Delamerian foreland basin
beneath Gulf St Vincent requires a reassessment of the
potential hydrocarbon plays in this region. This concept
provides considerable potential for clastic flank
fluviatile/deltaic plays in addition to carbonate reef plays.