Surface and Sub-surface Geology and the Role of Basement Structure in the Capel-Faust basins, Offshore Eastern Australia

The Capel and Faust basins are part of the northern Lord Howe Rise, offshore eastern Australia. These frontier basins formed during the initial phases of extension leading to the Cretaceous break up of the east Gondwana margin. The basins subsided to their present depths of 1300-2500m in the early Cenozoic. Geoscience Australia is investigating the geology and marine environment of this frontier area as part of the Australian Government's New Oil (2003-2007) and Energy Security (2007-2011) programs. High resolution 2D seismic, gravity, magnetic and multibeam bathymetry data were acquired in 2006-2007 and synthesised to derive 2D and 3D geological information and knowledge of these basins and underlying basement. A clear relationship between surface and sub surface geology was observed. This has contributed to an improved understanding of basin structure, large scale basin architecture, tectonic reactivation along the basin margins, and potential fluid migration pathways. An analysis of seafloor features will also contribute to future marine bioregional
planning in the study area.

Presented at the Australian Earth Sciences Convention (AESC) 4 - 8th July 2010