This report consolidates biostratigraphic summaries, borehole logs, and stratigraphic correlations for key boreholes across the Canning Basin, Western Australia, setting the stage for future studies. It provides a tectonostratigraphic framework developed by integrating previous work from the Central Superbasin and Canning Basin, refining borehole correlations with biostratigraphy and log patterns. The report also outlines the direction for future research, incorporating additional data such as outcrop information, fossil groups, chemostratigraphy, geochronology, Hylogger data, and expert collaboration.
A comprehensive basin-wide approach was used, compiling biostratigraphic data from 157 boreholes to create a consistent zonation scheme. Stratigraphic correlations were visualised using this framework and past research (Kennard et al., 1994; Romine et al., 1994; Marshall and Lang, 2013; Bradshaw et al., 2021; Sturrock, 2017; Mory, 2023).).
Key methodologies include:
Biostratigraphy: Updating biostratigraphic zonation across the Canning Basin.
Borehole Stratigraphy: Compiling and reviewing borehole data to create consistent stratigraphic picks.
Sequence Stratigraphy: Grouping geological units into supersequences for regional correlations.
Updated stratigraphic charts and borehole correlation transects (25 total) were created to display correlations across 604 of the 805 key boreholes. The findings will be refined with ongoing data collection and expert collaboration.
The study enhances understanding of regional stratigraphy, hydrostratigraphic classification, aquifer extent, depth, and variability. The updated framework aligns geological units with timeframes, aiding in groundwater system assessments. Detailed datasets are available in Appendix A (Biostratigraphic data) and Appendix B (Borehole stratigraphic data).
Preliminary borehole stratigraphy results suggest the following supersequence groupings:
Cretaceous to Upper Jurassic (Supersequences L–K): These sediments cover much of the western and southern Canning Basin, thickening offshore. Key aquifers are the Broome and Wallal Sandstones, separated by shales, with a newly identified unnamed sandstone beneath the Wallal Sandstone.
Triassic (Supersequence J): Limited to the Fitzroy Trough, Betty Terrace, Gregory Sub-basin, and Lennard Shelf. Formations such as the Munkayarra Shale, Erskine Sandstone, and Blina Shale are thin, with a maximum thickness of 570m.
Permian (Supersequence I): The Liveringa Group, Noonkanbah Formation, and Poole Sandstone outcrop widely across the northern Canning Basin. The Noonkanbah Formation is a regional aquitard, while the Poole Sandstone is thin but widespread, reaching up to 120m in thickness.
Early Permian Grant Group (Supersequence H): Outcrops extensively in the northern Canning Basin and is present at depth throughout the basin, reaching up to 1,600m in thickness. The Reeves Formation, present at depth in certain areas, may be reworked into the Grant Group.
Lower Carboniferous: The Anderson Formation and Fairfield Group contain formations such as the May River shale and Luluigui Formation. The Fairfield Group underlies the Anderson Formation, with further re-interpretations refining previous inconsistencies.
Devonian (Supersequence 12): The Clanmeyer Siltstone and associated reef complexes form important stratigraphic markers for groundwater resources.
Ordovician to Silurian (Supersequences 9 to 6): These marine, marginal marine, and evaporitic sediments reach up to 5,000m in some areas, with notable formations like the Prices Creek Group and Worral Formation.
The framework developed here can be refined with further fossil group and age data, and through continued collaboration. The proposed stratigraphic charts offer a foundation for future research, contributing to consistent and reliable stratigraphic understanding and groundwater system modelling.
The project supports:
Groundwater Management: Refining aquifer and aquitard mapping to aid sustainable resource development.
Resource Assessments: Integrating geological and hydrogeological data for national database development.
Hydrogeological Framework: Contributing to accurate 3D geological models for better groundwater system modeling.
Sustainable Development: Supporting Australia's resource management and transition to net-zero emissions.
