The North West Shelf, Australia: The Next Step in a Global Approach to Understanding the Role of Eustasy in the Generation and Preservation of Stratigraphy

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

Using industry well data and an existing, high-quality industry MCS data set acquired in the Neogene carbonate and mixed carbonate/siliciclastic sequences off northwest Australia, the researchers will undertake a comprehensive sequence stratigraphic analysis, constrain sedimentary processes, flexurally backstrip to determine paleodepths and depositional geometries, infer paleocurrents, and update IODP proposal 667. This research is one step in fulfilling the scientific need for a Southern Hemisphere analog to Leg 166 drilling along the Bahamas sea-level transect and should provide a direct comparison with results already obtained and anticipated (through possible future drilling) on the New Jersey margin. A state-of-the-art industry data set has been donated for this effort, which will provide an unprecedented understanding not only of eustatic sea level changes and erosional/depositional processes on this margin, but also of channel morphology, reefs, karst, and canyons in three dimensions. The program provides for training of graduate and undergraduate students, serves high-priority IODP goals, and complements research being conducted under the ONR STRATAFORM and NSF MARGINS programs.