Abstract
This investigation represents the first attempt in which the Integrated Prediction Error Filter Analysis (INPEFA) method has been applied on a regional scale to correlate stratigraphy within the Perth Basin, and more specifically the Murray-Peel region of Western Australia.
The INPEFA method allows for the identification, and therefore correlation, of regional depositional trends typically resulting from historical sea level fluctuations (i.e. the speed, duration and frequency of marine regression and transgression events). Consequently, INPEFA helps identify unconformities and stratigraphic boundaries which is why this method aids stratigraphic interpretation. As is the case with all stratigraphic data however, local depositional influences can be superimposed over larger regional depositional trends, thereby adding complexity to stratigraphic interpretation. It was therefore important to understand and consider both regional and local depositional influences within this investigation.
For the vast majority of bores, depositional trends and thus stratigraphic boundaries were able to be correlated using the INPEFA technique with a high level of confidence. It is, however, acknowledged that stratigraphic correlation became increasingly difficult across major faults and where the spatial distribution of bores was sparse, particularly where local depositional influences also appeared to vary.
The stratigraphic interpretation that resulted from the aforementioned analysis was used to get a better geological understanding of the Murray-Peel investigation area via the creation of a3D conceptual geological model. This research identified an abrupt change in stratigraphy south of a major fault (i.e. fault ‘A’) which was caused by uplifting. The Leederville Formation of the central and northern Perth Basin, as described by Davidson (1995), alters across this fault to the Leederville Formation of the southern Perth Basin as described by Schafer et al. (2008) and Baddock et al. (2014). Therefore, this fault can be used to delineate the Pinjar, Wanneroo and Mariginiup Members from the Mowen, Upper Vasse and Lower Vasse Members of the Leederville Formation, respectively.
The INPEFA method allows for the identification, and therefore correlation, of regional depositional trends typically resulting from historical sea level fluctuations (i.e. the speed, duration and frequency of marine regression and transgression events). Consequently, INPEFA helps identify unconformities and stratigraphic boundaries which is why this method aids stratigraphic interpretation. As is the case with all stratigraphic data however, local depositional influences can be superimposed over larger regional depositional trends, thereby adding complexity to stratigraphic interpretation. It was therefore important to understand and consider both regional and local depositional influences within this investigation.
For the vast majority of bores, depositional trends and thus stratigraphic boundaries were able to be correlated using the INPEFA technique with a high level of confidence. It is, however, acknowledged that stratigraphic correlation became increasingly difficult across major faults and where the spatial distribution of bores was sparse, particularly where local depositional influences also appeared to vary.
The stratigraphic interpretation that resulted from the aforementioned analysis was used to get a better geological understanding of the Murray-Peel investigation area via the creation of a3D conceptual geological model. This research identified an abrupt change in stratigraphy south of a major fault (i.e. fault ‘A’) which was caused by uplifting. The Leederville Formation of the central and northern Perth Basin, as described by Davidson (1995), alters across this fault to the Leederville Formation of the southern Perth Basin as described by Schafer et al. (2008) and Baddock et al. (2014). Therefore, this fault can be used to delineate the Pinjar, Wanneroo and Mariginiup Members from the Mowen, Upper Vasse and Lower Vasse Members of the Leederville Formation, respectively.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Masters |
| Supervisors/Advisors |
|
| Publication status | Unpublished - Dec 2015 |
Access to Document
- Download PDF
This work is protected by Copyright. You may print or download ONE copy of this document for the purpose of your own non-commercial research or study. Any other use requires permission from the copyright owner. The Copyright Act requires you to attribute any copyright works you quote or paraphrase.