Overview
This multi-client study delivers an integrated sedimentological and stratigraphic review of the Vulcan Sub-basin, examining 1.6 km of core from 63 wells across the region and its surrounding areas (northern Browse Basin, Nancar Trough and Ashmore Platform), spanning an area from Crux 1 in the Southwest to Ludmilla 1 in the Northeast.
Updated Depositional Model
Key insights into the variability of depositional environments and stratigraphic variability.
Reservoir Distribution and Quality
A comprehensive and up-to-date reservoir geology dataset.
Detailed Core Data
All cored intervals reviewed and photographed, during which core condition, cored intervals and brief observations of the core were recorded.
Refined Palynological Data
Existing palynological data reviewed and refined, and supplemented by analysis of new core samples.
Background
The Vulcan Sub-basin, a northeast-southwest trending Mesozoic extensional depocenter within Australia’s Bonaparte Basin, has been a significant focus for hydrocarbon exploration due to its complex structural traps and proven petroleum systems. Historically, exploration efforts have targeted Jurassic and Cretaceous reservoirs, with hydrocarbons sourced primarily from Late Jurassic marine shales.
In recent years, the Australian government has recognized the sub-basin’s potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS). In 2023, an 18-block area within the Vulcan Sub-basin was released for greenhouse gas storage assessment, highlighting opportunities for CO₂ sequestration in depleted fields like the Triassic-hosted Challis and Cassini oil fields, as well as possible saline aquifers.
These developments underscore the need for comprehensive geological studies to enhance understanding of reservoir characteristics, inform exploration strategies, and support sustainable resource development in the region.
Deliverables
For all 63 cored wells:
Overview chart highlighting the stratigraphic position of each cored interval (based on newly QC’d and updated biostrat from MGPalaeo’s AUSTRALIS geological database)
Very brief description of the cored intervals including depositional environments (where possible)
Recent overview core photography
Tabulated core condition
Core descriptions of 25 selected wells covering 770m of stratigraphy:
Approx. 270m at 1:70 scale
Approx. 500m at 1:200 scale
Digital grain size data (excel)
Digital cm-scale export of lithofacies and depofacies (excel)
RCA data (where present) plotted against lithofacies and depofacies (excel)
Brief description of depositional environments
Depositional models