Beneath the surface: 3D geological model of northern Bowen Basin
Mojtaba Rajabi A * , Renate Sliwa B and Joan Esterle AA
B
Mojtaba Rajabi is Senior Lecturer at the School of the Environment, University of Queensland. He has over 15 years of experience in geomechanics, geomechanical-numerical modelling and petrophysics. Mojtaba graduated with a PhD from the University of Adelaide in 2016. Since 2012, Mojtaba has worked on the Australian and World Stress Map projects. |
Renate Sliwa is a structural geologist with over 30 years’ experience in structural analysis, coal mining hazards, and geophysical data interpretation. She earned her PhD from the University of Queensland in 1994, worked as a consultant globally, joined CSIRO in 1999, and has been an independent consultant since 2008. |
Joan Esterle is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Queensland. Her research focusses on how geological history impacts coal measure behaviour during mining, processing, and utilisation. She collaborates with industry and has led studies through ACARP, ANLEC R&D and the UQ Centre for Energy Transition. She received her PhD from the University of Kentucky in 1990. |
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) geological models are critical inputs for resource assessment of any commodity as they provide a detailed representation of subsurface geology. They enable better informed decision making and, therefore, mitigation of risks associated with exploration and production in structurally complex areas. This paper presents a recent subsurface geological model of the northern Bowen Basin in Queensland, eastern Australia. It is considered as a rich basin that yields significant coal and natural gas resources but also has potential for underground geo-storage. Since its discovery, the basin has been mapped, drilled and geophysically surveyed, informing a series of regional solid geology and structural maps as well as mine to deposit scale subsurface models of increased detail. This study integrates data from over 2000 boreholes, 600 seismic lines, digital elevation models and surface geological maps to create a 3D geological model of the thrust-faulted northern Bowen Basin. The approach was to package the stratigraphy by age, but more so rheological differences. This 3D model is composed of three main packages, including surface to Cenozoic unconformity; Bowen Basin fill between the Mid Permian and Cenozoic unconformities; and the early Permian extensional basins below the Denison Trough. The final model features 14 horizons, 24 regional faults and large-scale intrusions. The model was constructed with an areal and vertical resolution of 600 m and 150 m, respectively. This model presents a regional 3D picture of the northern Bowen Basin and offers significant insights and implications for various energy and resource sectors.
Keywords: 3D geological model, eastern Australia, geological modelling, Nebo Synclinorium, northern Bowen Basin, Permo–Triassic, structural modelling, subsurface geology.
Mojtaba Rajabi is Senior Lecturer at the School of the Environment, University of Queensland. He has over 15 years of experience in geomechanics, geomechanical-numerical modelling and petrophysics. Mojtaba graduated with a PhD from the University of Adelaide in 2016. Since 2012, Mojtaba has worked on the Australian and World Stress Map projects. |
Renate Sliwa is a structural geologist with over 30 years’ experience in structural analysis, coal mining hazards, and geophysical data interpretation. She earned her PhD from the University of Queensland in 1994, worked as a consultant globally, joined CSIRO in 1999, and has been an independent consultant since 2008. |
Joan Esterle is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Queensland. Her research focusses on how geological history impacts coal measure behaviour during mining, processing, and utilisation. She collaborates with industry and has led studies through ACARP, ANLEC R&D and the UQ Centre for Energy Transition. She received her PhD from the University of Kentucky in 1990. |
