First continental layered geological map of Australia

Output Type: Exploring for the Future Extended abstract

Short Abstract: The increasing demand for mineral, energy and groundwater resources to support sustainable development and achieve net zero carbon targets in the face of climate change necessitates a deeper understanding of Earth’s resources and geological processes. Traditional 2D geological maps, while valuable for synthesizing and communicating geoscientific information, are limited in depicting the full extent and depth of geological units, which is crucial for effective resource exploration and management. Here, we present the Layered Geological Map of Australia (LGMA) dataset, the world’s first layered geological model at the continental scale. It integrates diverse geological, geochemical and geophysical datasets to create a comprehensive, machine-readable 3D geological framework spanning Australia's surface and subsurface. The dataset contains approximately 185,000 polygons representing the extent of around 7,600 geological units grouped into five chronostratigraphic layers corresponding to major Era boundaries (Cenozoic, Mesozoic, Paleozoic, Neoproterozoic and pre-Neoproterozoic). Standardised and consistent chrono-lithostratigraphy for each geological unit were captured through the Australian Stratigraphic Units Database (ASUD) and linked to the layered geology map to provide an attribute-rich dataset that can be queried and visualised in Geographic Information System (GIS) software or 3D modelling packages. The LGMA represents a significant advancement in Australian geoscience towards a 3D geological model of Australia, offering a foundational resource for academia, government, and industry alike. 

Citation: Sanchez, G., Liu, S., Steward, A.J., Bonnardot, M.A., Beyer, E.E., Czarnota, K., Highet, L.M., Woods, M., Brown, C.E., Clark, A., Connors, K., Wong, S. & Cloutier, J., 2024. First continental layered geological map of Australia. In: Czarnota, K. (ed.) Exploring for the Future: Extended Abstracts, Geoscience Australia, Canberra, https://doi.org/10.26186/149391