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aBPORT FOR SURVEY 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT 2: INTERPRETATIONAL REPORT AME¥ ICAN OVERSEAS PETROLEUM

aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

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Page 1: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

aBPORT FOR AERO~GNETIC SURVEY

PAR~ 1 OPERATIONAL REPORT p~ 2 INTERPRETATIONAL

REPORT

AMEyenICAN OVERSEAS PETROLEUM

i Airborne Magnetometer Survey

Tanami Barrow Cleek Aeronagnet1c Survey

664624 WISO BASIN NT

being part of Northern TerritorY Permits

to explore nwnbers

118 119 120 123 136 152 f8ld 153

on behalf ot

AMampRICAN OVERSEAS PETROLEUM LTD

119-123 Le1chhardt Stleet

r Brisbane Queensland

Field Work from

17th August 1966 to 2nd May 1967

Part I ONSHORE Operational Report

r Part II

Interpretation Report

Adastra Hunting Geophysics Pty Ltd 41-45 Vickers Avenue MASCOT NSWDEPT OF rES amp ENERGY

DO NOT REMOVE

111111111 ~__~__~ l-_ __~=~-===---~~=~==============--=~==-~O-== -J

Part I

Operational Report

-1shy

I INTRODUCTION

I 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The area surveyed is irregularly shaped with its long axis

lying approximately northwest-southeast It is contained within

the rectangle bounded in the north by latitude 18000 I south in

the south by latitude 230 00 south in the westby longitude

129000 east and in the east by longitude 1370 00 east (See

Plate No1 of this report)

One hundred and seventy seven (177) flight lines were

flown one hundred and fifty seven (157) in a direction

approximately northeast-southwest seventeen (17) northsouth

and three (3) approximately northwest-southeast Seventeen

(17) tie lines were flown at right angles to the flight lines

for purposes of magnetic control (For flight line-tie line

diagram seamp Plate No2 of this report)

The initial plan was to use Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

carrying the magnetometer detecting head in a towed bird with

navigation and flight path recovery by means of a Marconi 623

Series Doppler but when this aircraft was lost on September 24th

having flown lines 157 to 173 inclusive the Companys Douglas

DC3 aircraft VH-AGU carrying the magnetometer detecting head as

a fixed boomlbull installation was substituted with ~avigation and

flight path recovery by means of one inch to one mile photo mosaics

prepared by Adastra AirWays Pty Ltd

Several lines flown by VH-AGE were reflown by VH-AGU as

repeatability checks between the two magnetometers

-2shy

All flying was

Northern Territory

carried out from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

middot I 2

Hudson flying operations commenced on 17th August 1966 and

came to an untimely finish when the aircraft crashed on 24th September

1966 DC3 flying operations started on 22nd October 1966 but were

suspended on December 20th owing to continued bad weather DC3 o

operations were recommenced on 13th January 1967 and the survey

completed on 8th June 1967

PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY

The purpose of the survey was to ascertain the depth trends

of major structural features such as faults and magnetic intrusions

and the location of 8JJ1 basin boundaries

The information gained from the survey to be used as a guide

in seleating areas of interest for further more detailed geophysical

surveys in the search for oil bearing struotures

II THE FLYING PROGRAMME

II 1 PRE-FLIGHT PREPARATIONS

As the initial plan was to use Doppler for navigation and

flight path recovery east-west photo strips were prepared from

available 9 inch by 9 inch photography spaced at approximately

twenty-five miles and showing the positions of flight lines and tie

lines These were to serve as a check on the Doppler navigator but

after the loss of VH-AGR complete one inch to one mile mosaic

ooverage was prepared These were used throughout the survey for

navigation and subsequent flight path recovery

-3shy

II 2 PROGRAMME DETAILS

(a) Survey Altitude

The survey was poundlown at a constant barometric altitude of

2250 feet above mean sea level (amsl) by reference to a

standard aircraft type pressure altimeter with frequent comparisons

against an APN-l radio altimeter

Average terrain clearance was 1250 feet

(b) Flight Lines Flown

One hundred and seventy three (173) poundlight lines were poundlown

the average spacing being two (2) miles Tie lines were flown

perpendicular to the flight lines as sho~ in the flight line shy

tie line diagram (see Plate 2)

Individual Line Mileages

The individual mileage flown for each tie and flight line is

listed below

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

2 25 6 51 10 79

3 26 7 52 11 112

4 30 8 79 12 110

5 50 9 79 13 108

14 121 40 104 66 123

15 120 41 103 67 123

16 117 42 103 68 122

17 96 43 59 69 121

18 39 44 103 70 75

19 131 45 10l 71 75

~ lt

-4shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

20 53 46 82 72 74

21 120 47 101 73 73

22 118 48 101 74 73

23 102 49 101 75 72

24 70 50 150 76 72

25 70 51 149 77 71

26 109 52 149 78 71

27 109 53 148 79 70

28 85 54 99 80 69

29 61 55 99 81 69

30 60 56 9~ 82 68

31 107 57 98 83 67

32 107 58 98 84 67

33 48 59 97 85 66

34 60 60 97 86 ~

66

35 106 61 95 87 65

36 156 62 92 88 55

37 155 63 91 89 55

38 110 64 89 90 55

39 23 65 86 91 55

92 55 117 46 l42 63

93 53 118 116 l43 63

94 53 119 116 144 109

95 53 120 116 145 109

96 52 121 116 l46 110

97 52 122 101 147 112

- 5 shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

98 51 123 101 148 64

99 51 124 101 149 63

100 51 125 101 150 63

101 51 126 44 151 64

102 51 127 48 152 65

middot103 50 128 50 153 18

104 50 129 51 154 17

105 50 130 51 155 15

106 49 131 61 156 12

107 49 132 61 157 35

108 49 133 61 158 35

109 48 134 61 159 35

llO 48 135 62 160 35

III 47 136 63 161 35

ll2 47 137 61 162 35

ll3 47 138 62 163 35

114 47 139 63 164 35

ll5 47 un 63 165 35

ll6 46 l4l 63 166 35

167 35 II 80 E 3g-f

168 35 III 8J F 369

169 35 IV 57 G 206

170 35 V 57 H 356

171 35 I 150

172 35 A 76 J 34

173 35 B 76 K 6

0 44 L 6

~ 1

middot1

-----------~-~--~--~ ---~-~---- --~-~-- --~~~-

-6shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

I 79 D 250 M 6

N 6

0 56

P 56

Q 56

Total Flight Line Miles 12903

1 IITie 2138

Grand Total l50u

(c) Storm Monitor

The storm monitor vas installed at Tennant Creek Aerodrome

NT and was run continuously 24 houra per day throughout the

following periods

17th August to

24th October to

22nd January to

25th May to

24th September 1966

20th December 1966shy

2nd May 1967

8th June 1967

III METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS USED FOR THE SURVEY

III 1 AIRBORNE (TarAL FORCE) MAGNETOMampTER

The instrument used for this survey was a Gulf Mark III

total force saturable core fluxgate magnetometer manufactured by

the Gulf Research and Development Company Pittsburgh PennsylVania

uSA

The airborne magnetometer is intended primarily for measuring

and recording the Earth 1 s total magnetio field intensity and in

-7shy

particular looal variations of intensitr such as Dl8yen be oaused by

geologioal inhomogeneities

The equipment oomprises a measuring (deteoting) element an

osoillator to exoite it a vacuum tube oircuit to amplity and deteot

the output variations of the element orientating devices (which keep

the detector element aligned) a potentiometer circuit to compensate

or buckoutlt large changes of field and a recorder

The eqUipment was designed for use in a moving airoraft to

provide a continuous and accurate record of variations of the Earths lt

total magnetic field intensity Beoause an aircratt does not

accurately maintain its orientation in space provision has been made

to hold the measuring or deteoting element in a fixed orientation

(parallel) with respect to the Earths total field

The Earths magnetic field itself is used as a reference the

detector element being aligned with its axis ot sensitivitr parallel

to this field This arrangement places the detector element in the

most favourable position and errors due to improper orientation are

at a minimum Two simUar sets of deteotor elements are used to

sense and seek the position of zero (null) field I

When the axis of sensitivity ot the detector element is aligned

parallel to the Earth t s magnetic field 8DT error in alignment results

in a decrease of the total field reading the magnitude of the error

is proportional to the siDe of the angle ot misorientation and is of

the order ot 05 gamma tor at degree misalignment in a total magnetic

field of 55000 gamma

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

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ri 0

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 2: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

i Airborne Magnetometer Survey

Tanami Barrow Cleek Aeronagnet1c Survey

664624 WISO BASIN NT

being part of Northern TerritorY Permits

to explore nwnbers

118 119 120 123 136 152 f8ld 153

on behalf ot

AMampRICAN OVERSEAS PETROLEUM LTD

119-123 Le1chhardt Stleet

r Brisbane Queensland

Field Work from

17th August 1966 to 2nd May 1967

Part I ONSHORE Operational Report

r Part II

Interpretation Report

Adastra Hunting Geophysics Pty Ltd 41-45 Vickers Avenue MASCOT NSWDEPT OF rES amp ENERGY

DO NOT REMOVE

111111111 ~__~__~ l-_ __~=~-===---~~=~==============--=~==-~O-== -J

Part I

Operational Report

-1shy

I INTRODUCTION

I 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The area surveyed is irregularly shaped with its long axis

lying approximately northwest-southeast It is contained within

the rectangle bounded in the north by latitude 18000 I south in

the south by latitude 230 00 south in the westby longitude

129000 east and in the east by longitude 1370 00 east (See

Plate No1 of this report)

One hundred and seventy seven (177) flight lines were

flown one hundred and fifty seven (157) in a direction

approximately northeast-southwest seventeen (17) northsouth

and three (3) approximately northwest-southeast Seventeen

(17) tie lines were flown at right angles to the flight lines

for purposes of magnetic control (For flight line-tie line

diagram seamp Plate No2 of this report)

The initial plan was to use Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

carrying the magnetometer detecting head in a towed bird with

navigation and flight path recovery by means of a Marconi 623

Series Doppler but when this aircraft was lost on September 24th

having flown lines 157 to 173 inclusive the Companys Douglas

DC3 aircraft VH-AGU carrying the magnetometer detecting head as

a fixed boomlbull installation was substituted with ~avigation and

flight path recovery by means of one inch to one mile photo mosaics

prepared by Adastra AirWays Pty Ltd

Several lines flown by VH-AGE were reflown by VH-AGU as

repeatability checks between the two magnetometers

-2shy

All flying was

Northern Territory

carried out from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

middot I 2

Hudson flying operations commenced on 17th August 1966 and

came to an untimely finish when the aircraft crashed on 24th September

1966 DC3 flying operations started on 22nd October 1966 but were

suspended on December 20th owing to continued bad weather DC3 o

operations were recommenced on 13th January 1967 and the survey

completed on 8th June 1967

PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY

The purpose of the survey was to ascertain the depth trends

of major structural features such as faults and magnetic intrusions

and the location of 8JJ1 basin boundaries

The information gained from the survey to be used as a guide

in seleating areas of interest for further more detailed geophysical

surveys in the search for oil bearing struotures

II THE FLYING PROGRAMME

II 1 PRE-FLIGHT PREPARATIONS

As the initial plan was to use Doppler for navigation and

flight path recovery east-west photo strips were prepared from

available 9 inch by 9 inch photography spaced at approximately

twenty-five miles and showing the positions of flight lines and tie

lines These were to serve as a check on the Doppler navigator but

after the loss of VH-AGR complete one inch to one mile mosaic

ooverage was prepared These were used throughout the survey for

navigation and subsequent flight path recovery

-3shy

II 2 PROGRAMME DETAILS

(a) Survey Altitude

The survey was poundlown at a constant barometric altitude of

2250 feet above mean sea level (amsl) by reference to a

standard aircraft type pressure altimeter with frequent comparisons

against an APN-l radio altimeter

Average terrain clearance was 1250 feet

(b) Flight Lines Flown

One hundred and seventy three (173) poundlight lines were poundlown

the average spacing being two (2) miles Tie lines were flown

perpendicular to the flight lines as sho~ in the flight line shy

tie line diagram (see Plate 2)

Individual Line Mileages

The individual mileage flown for each tie and flight line is

listed below

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

2 25 6 51 10 79

3 26 7 52 11 112

4 30 8 79 12 110

5 50 9 79 13 108

14 121 40 104 66 123

15 120 41 103 67 123

16 117 42 103 68 122

17 96 43 59 69 121

18 39 44 103 70 75

19 131 45 10l 71 75

~ lt

-4shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

20 53 46 82 72 74

21 120 47 101 73 73

22 118 48 101 74 73

23 102 49 101 75 72

24 70 50 150 76 72

25 70 51 149 77 71

26 109 52 149 78 71

27 109 53 148 79 70

28 85 54 99 80 69

29 61 55 99 81 69

30 60 56 9~ 82 68

31 107 57 98 83 67

32 107 58 98 84 67

33 48 59 97 85 66

34 60 60 97 86 ~

66

35 106 61 95 87 65

36 156 62 92 88 55

37 155 63 91 89 55

38 110 64 89 90 55

39 23 65 86 91 55

92 55 117 46 l42 63

93 53 118 116 l43 63

94 53 119 116 144 109

95 53 120 116 145 109

96 52 121 116 l46 110

97 52 122 101 147 112

- 5 shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

98 51 123 101 148 64

99 51 124 101 149 63

100 51 125 101 150 63

101 51 126 44 151 64

102 51 127 48 152 65

middot103 50 128 50 153 18

104 50 129 51 154 17

105 50 130 51 155 15

106 49 131 61 156 12

107 49 132 61 157 35

108 49 133 61 158 35

109 48 134 61 159 35

llO 48 135 62 160 35

III 47 136 63 161 35

ll2 47 137 61 162 35

ll3 47 138 62 163 35

114 47 139 63 164 35

ll5 47 un 63 165 35

ll6 46 l4l 63 166 35

167 35 II 80 E 3g-f

168 35 III 8J F 369

169 35 IV 57 G 206

170 35 V 57 H 356

171 35 I 150

172 35 A 76 J 34

173 35 B 76 K 6

0 44 L 6

~ 1

middot1

-----------~-~--~--~ ---~-~---- --~-~-- --~~~-

-6shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

I 79 D 250 M 6

N 6

0 56

P 56

Q 56

Total Flight Line Miles 12903

1 IITie 2138

Grand Total l50u

(c) Storm Monitor

The storm monitor vas installed at Tennant Creek Aerodrome

NT and was run continuously 24 houra per day throughout the

following periods

17th August to

24th October to

22nd January to

25th May to

24th September 1966

20th December 1966shy

2nd May 1967

8th June 1967

III METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS USED FOR THE SURVEY

III 1 AIRBORNE (TarAL FORCE) MAGNETOMampTER

The instrument used for this survey was a Gulf Mark III

total force saturable core fluxgate magnetometer manufactured by

the Gulf Research and Development Company Pittsburgh PennsylVania

uSA

The airborne magnetometer is intended primarily for measuring

and recording the Earth 1 s total magnetio field intensity and in

-7shy

particular looal variations of intensitr such as Dl8yen be oaused by

geologioal inhomogeneities

The equipment oomprises a measuring (deteoting) element an

osoillator to exoite it a vacuum tube oircuit to amplity and deteot

the output variations of the element orientating devices (which keep

the detector element aligned) a potentiometer circuit to compensate

or buckoutlt large changes of field and a recorder

The eqUipment was designed for use in a moving airoraft to

provide a continuous and accurate record of variations of the Earths lt

total magnetic field intensity Beoause an aircratt does not

accurately maintain its orientation in space provision has been made

to hold the measuring or deteoting element in a fixed orientation

(parallel) with respect to the Earths total field

The Earths magnetic field itself is used as a reference the

detector element being aligned with its axis ot sensitivitr parallel

to this field This arrangement places the detector element in the

most favourable position and errors due to improper orientation are

at a minimum Two simUar sets of deteotor elements are used to

sense and seek the position of zero (null) field I

When the axis of sensitivity ot the detector element is aligned

parallel to the Earth t s magnetic field 8DT error in alignment results

in a decrease of the total field reading the magnitude of the error

is proportional to the siDe of the angle ot misorientation and is of

the order ot 05 gamma tor at degree misalignment in a total magnetic

field of 55000 gamma

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 3: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

Part I

Operational Report

-1shy

I INTRODUCTION

I 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The area surveyed is irregularly shaped with its long axis

lying approximately northwest-southeast It is contained within

the rectangle bounded in the north by latitude 18000 I south in

the south by latitude 230 00 south in the westby longitude

129000 east and in the east by longitude 1370 00 east (See

Plate No1 of this report)

One hundred and seventy seven (177) flight lines were

flown one hundred and fifty seven (157) in a direction

approximately northeast-southwest seventeen (17) northsouth

and three (3) approximately northwest-southeast Seventeen

(17) tie lines were flown at right angles to the flight lines

for purposes of magnetic control (For flight line-tie line

diagram seamp Plate No2 of this report)

The initial plan was to use Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

carrying the magnetometer detecting head in a towed bird with

navigation and flight path recovery by means of a Marconi 623

Series Doppler but when this aircraft was lost on September 24th

having flown lines 157 to 173 inclusive the Companys Douglas

DC3 aircraft VH-AGU carrying the magnetometer detecting head as

a fixed boomlbull installation was substituted with ~avigation and

flight path recovery by means of one inch to one mile photo mosaics

prepared by Adastra AirWays Pty Ltd

Several lines flown by VH-AGE were reflown by VH-AGU as

repeatability checks between the two magnetometers

-2shy

All flying was

Northern Territory

carried out from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

middot I 2

Hudson flying operations commenced on 17th August 1966 and

came to an untimely finish when the aircraft crashed on 24th September

1966 DC3 flying operations started on 22nd October 1966 but were

suspended on December 20th owing to continued bad weather DC3 o

operations were recommenced on 13th January 1967 and the survey

completed on 8th June 1967

PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY

The purpose of the survey was to ascertain the depth trends

of major structural features such as faults and magnetic intrusions

and the location of 8JJ1 basin boundaries

The information gained from the survey to be used as a guide

in seleating areas of interest for further more detailed geophysical

surveys in the search for oil bearing struotures

II THE FLYING PROGRAMME

II 1 PRE-FLIGHT PREPARATIONS

As the initial plan was to use Doppler for navigation and

flight path recovery east-west photo strips were prepared from

available 9 inch by 9 inch photography spaced at approximately

twenty-five miles and showing the positions of flight lines and tie

lines These were to serve as a check on the Doppler navigator but

after the loss of VH-AGR complete one inch to one mile mosaic

ooverage was prepared These were used throughout the survey for

navigation and subsequent flight path recovery

-3shy

II 2 PROGRAMME DETAILS

(a) Survey Altitude

The survey was poundlown at a constant barometric altitude of

2250 feet above mean sea level (amsl) by reference to a

standard aircraft type pressure altimeter with frequent comparisons

against an APN-l radio altimeter

Average terrain clearance was 1250 feet

(b) Flight Lines Flown

One hundred and seventy three (173) poundlight lines were poundlown

the average spacing being two (2) miles Tie lines were flown

perpendicular to the flight lines as sho~ in the flight line shy

tie line diagram (see Plate 2)

Individual Line Mileages

The individual mileage flown for each tie and flight line is

listed below

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

2 25 6 51 10 79

3 26 7 52 11 112

4 30 8 79 12 110

5 50 9 79 13 108

14 121 40 104 66 123

15 120 41 103 67 123

16 117 42 103 68 122

17 96 43 59 69 121

18 39 44 103 70 75

19 131 45 10l 71 75

~ lt

-4shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

20 53 46 82 72 74

21 120 47 101 73 73

22 118 48 101 74 73

23 102 49 101 75 72

24 70 50 150 76 72

25 70 51 149 77 71

26 109 52 149 78 71

27 109 53 148 79 70

28 85 54 99 80 69

29 61 55 99 81 69

30 60 56 9~ 82 68

31 107 57 98 83 67

32 107 58 98 84 67

33 48 59 97 85 66

34 60 60 97 86 ~

66

35 106 61 95 87 65

36 156 62 92 88 55

37 155 63 91 89 55

38 110 64 89 90 55

39 23 65 86 91 55

92 55 117 46 l42 63

93 53 118 116 l43 63

94 53 119 116 144 109

95 53 120 116 145 109

96 52 121 116 l46 110

97 52 122 101 147 112

- 5 shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

98 51 123 101 148 64

99 51 124 101 149 63

100 51 125 101 150 63

101 51 126 44 151 64

102 51 127 48 152 65

middot103 50 128 50 153 18

104 50 129 51 154 17

105 50 130 51 155 15

106 49 131 61 156 12

107 49 132 61 157 35

108 49 133 61 158 35

109 48 134 61 159 35

llO 48 135 62 160 35

III 47 136 63 161 35

ll2 47 137 61 162 35

ll3 47 138 62 163 35

114 47 139 63 164 35

ll5 47 un 63 165 35

ll6 46 l4l 63 166 35

167 35 II 80 E 3g-f

168 35 III 8J F 369

169 35 IV 57 G 206

170 35 V 57 H 356

171 35 I 150

172 35 A 76 J 34

173 35 B 76 K 6

0 44 L 6

~ 1

middot1

-----------~-~--~--~ ---~-~---- --~-~-- --~~~-

-6shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

I 79 D 250 M 6

N 6

0 56

P 56

Q 56

Total Flight Line Miles 12903

1 IITie 2138

Grand Total l50u

(c) Storm Monitor

The storm monitor vas installed at Tennant Creek Aerodrome

NT and was run continuously 24 houra per day throughout the

following periods

17th August to

24th October to

22nd January to

25th May to

24th September 1966

20th December 1966shy

2nd May 1967

8th June 1967

III METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS USED FOR THE SURVEY

III 1 AIRBORNE (TarAL FORCE) MAGNETOMampTER

The instrument used for this survey was a Gulf Mark III

total force saturable core fluxgate magnetometer manufactured by

the Gulf Research and Development Company Pittsburgh PennsylVania

uSA

The airborne magnetometer is intended primarily for measuring

and recording the Earth 1 s total magnetio field intensity and in

-7shy

particular looal variations of intensitr such as Dl8yen be oaused by

geologioal inhomogeneities

The equipment oomprises a measuring (deteoting) element an

osoillator to exoite it a vacuum tube oircuit to amplity and deteot

the output variations of the element orientating devices (which keep

the detector element aligned) a potentiometer circuit to compensate

or buckoutlt large changes of field and a recorder

The eqUipment was designed for use in a moving airoraft to

provide a continuous and accurate record of variations of the Earths lt

total magnetic field intensity Beoause an aircratt does not

accurately maintain its orientation in space provision has been made

to hold the measuring or deteoting element in a fixed orientation

(parallel) with respect to the Earths total field

The Earths magnetic field itself is used as a reference the

detector element being aligned with its axis ot sensitivitr parallel

to this field This arrangement places the detector element in the

most favourable position and errors due to improper orientation are

at a minimum Two simUar sets of deteotor elements are used to

sense and seek the position of zero (null) field I

When the axis of sensitivity ot the detector element is aligned

parallel to the Earth t s magnetic field 8DT error in alignment results

in a decrease of the total field reading the magnitude of the error

is proportional to the siDe of the angle ot misorientation and is of

the order ot 05 gamma tor at degree misalignment in a total magnetic

field of 55000 gamma

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 4: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-1shy

I INTRODUCTION

I 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The area surveyed is irregularly shaped with its long axis

lying approximately northwest-southeast It is contained within

the rectangle bounded in the north by latitude 18000 I south in

the south by latitude 230 00 south in the westby longitude

129000 east and in the east by longitude 1370 00 east (See

Plate No1 of this report)

One hundred and seventy seven (177) flight lines were

flown one hundred and fifty seven (157) in a direction

approximately northeast-southwest seventeen (17) northsouth

and three (3) approximately northwest-southeast Seventeen

(17) tie lines were flown at right angles to the flight lines

for purposes of magnetic control (For flight line-tie line

diagram seamp Plate No2 of this report)

The initial plan was to use Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

carrying the magnetometer detecting head in a towed bird with

navigation and flight path recovery by means of a Marconi 623

Series Doppler but when this aircraft was lost on September 24th

having flown lines 157 to 173 inclusive the Companys Douglas

DC3 aircraft VH-AGU carrying the magnetometer detecting head as

a fixed boomlbull installation was substituted with ~avigation and

flight path recovery by means of one inch to one mile photo mosaics

prepared by Adastra AirWays Pty Ltd

Several lines flown by VH-AGE were reflown by VH-AGU as

repeatability checks between the two magnetometers

-2shy

All flying was

Northern Territory

carried out from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

middot I 2

Hudson flying operations commenced on 17th August 1966 and

came to an untimely finish when the aircraft crashed on 24th September

1966 DC3 flying operations started on 22nd October 1966 but were

suspended on December 20th owing to continued bad weather DC3 o

operations were recommenced on 13th January 1967 and the survey

completed on 8th June 1967

PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY

The purpose of the survey was to ascertain the depth trends

of major structural features such as faults and magnetic intrusions

and the location of 8JJ1 basin boundaries

The information gained from the survey to be used as a guide

in seleating areas of interest for further more detailed geophysical

surveys in the search for oil bearing struotures

II THE FLYING PROGRAMME

II 1 PRE-FLIGHT PREPARATIONS

As the initial plan was to use Doppler for navigation and

flight path recovery east-west photo strips were prepared from

available 9 inch by 9 inch photography spaced at approximately

twenty-five miles and showing the positions of flight lines and tie

lines These were to serve as a check on the Doppler navigator but

after the loss of VH-AGR complete one inch to one mile mosaic

ooverage was prepared These were used throughout the survey for

navigation and subsequent flight path recovery

-3shy

II 2 PROGRAMME DETAILS

(a) Survey Altitude

The survey was poundlown at a constant barometric altitude of

2250 feet above mean sea level (amsl) by reference to a

standard aircraft type pressure altimeter with frequent comparisons

against an APN-l radio altimeter

Average terrain clearance was 1250 feet

(b) Flight Lines Flown

One hundred and seventy three (173) poundlight lines were poundlown

the average spacing being two (2) miles Tie lines were flown

perpendicular to the flight lines as sho~ in the flight line shy

tie line diagram (see Plate 2)

Individual Line Mileages

The individual mileage flown for each tie and flight line is

listed below

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

2 25 6 51 10 79

3 26 7 52 11 112

4 30 8 79 12 110

5 50 9 79 13 108

14 121 40 104 66 123

15 120 41 103 67 123

16 117 42 103 68 122

17 96 43 59 69 121

18 39 44 103 70 75

19 131 45 10l 71 75

~ lt

-4shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

20 53 46 82 72 74

21 120 47 101 73 73

22 118 48 101 74 73

23 102 49 101 75 72

24 70 50 150 76 72

25 70 51 149 77 71

26 109 52 149 78 71

27 109 53 148 79 70

28 85 54 99 80 69

29 61 55 99 81 69

30 60 56 9~ 82 68

31 107 57 98 83 67

32 107 58 98 84 67

33 48 59 97 85 66

34 60 60 97 86 ~

66

35 106 61 95 87 65

36 156 62 92 88 55

37 155 63 91 89 55

38 110 64 89 90 55

39 23 65 86 91 55

92 55 117 46 l42 63

93 53 118 116 l43 63

94 53 119 116 144 109

95 53 120 116 145 109

96 52 121 116 l46 110

97 52 122 101 147 112

- 5 shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

98 51 123 101 148 64

99 51 124 101 149 63

100 51 125 101 150 63

101 51 126 44 151 64

102 51 127 48 152 65

middot103 50 128 50 153 18

104 50 129 51 154 17

105 50 130 51 155 15

106 49 131 61 156 12

107 49 132 61 157 35

108 49 133 61 158 35

109 48 134 61 159 35

llO 48 135 62 160 35

III 47 136 63 161 35

ll2 47 137 61 162 35

ll3 47 138 62 163 35

114 47 139 63 164 35

ll5 47 un 63 165 35

ll6 46 l4l 63 166 35

167 35 II 80 E 3g-f

168 35 III 8J F 369

169 35 IV 57 G 206

170 35 V 57 H 356

171 35 I 150

172 35 A 76 J 34

173 35 B 76 K 6

0 44 L 6

~ 1

middot1

-----------~-~--~--~ ---~-~---- --~-~-- --~~~-

-6shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

I 79 D 250 M 6

N 6

0 56

P 56

Q 56

Total Flight Line Miles 12903

1 IITie 2138

Grand Total l50u

(c) Storm Monitor

The storm monitor vas installed at Tennant Creek Aerodrome

NT and was run continuously 24 houra per day throughout the

following periods

17th August to

24th October to

22nd January to

25th May to

24th September 1966

20th December 1966shy

2nd May 1967

8th June 1967

III METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS USED FOR THE SURVEY

III 1 AIRBORNE (TarAL FORCE) MAGNETOMampTER

The instrument used for this survey was a Gulf Mark III

total force saturable core fluxgate magnetometer manufactured by

the Gulf Research and Development Company Pittsburgh PennsylVania

uSA

The airborne magnetometer is intended primarily for measuring

and recording the Earth 1 s total magnetio field intensity and in

-7shy

particular looal variations of intensitr such as Dl8yen be oaused by

geologioal inhomogeneities

The equipment oomprises a measuring (deteoting) element an

osoillator to exoite it a vacuum tube oircuit to amplity and deteot

the output variations of the element orientating devices (which keep

the detector element aligned) a potentiometer circuit to compensate

or buckoutlt large changes of field and a recorder

The eqUipment was designed for use in a moving airoraft to

provide a continuous and accurate record of variations of the Earths lt

total magnetic field intensity Beoause an aircratt does not

accurately maintain its orientation in space provision has been made

to hold the measuring or deteoting element in a fixed orientation

(parallel) with respect to the Earths total field

The Earths magnetic field itself is used as a reference the

detector element being aligned with its axis ot sensitivitr parallel

to this field This arrangement places the detector element in the

most favourable position and errors due to improper orientation are

at a minimum Two simUar sets of deteotor elements are used to

sense and seek the position of zero (null) field I

When the axis of sensitivity ot the detector element is aligned

parallel to the Earth t s magnetic field 8DT error in alignment results

in a decrease of the total field reading the magnitude of the error

is proportional to the siDe of the angle ot misorientation and is of

the order ot 05 gamma tor at degree misalignment in a total magnetic

field of 55000 gamma

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 5: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-2shy

All flying was

Northern Territory

carried out from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

middot I 2

Hudson flying operations commenced on 17th August 1966 and

came to an untimely finish when the aircraft crashed on 24th September

1966 DC3 flying operations started on 22nd October 1966 but were

suspended on December 20th owing to continued bad weather DC3 o

operations were recommenced on 13th January 1967 and the survey

completed on 8th June 1967

PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY

The purpose of the survey was to ascertain the depth trends

of major structural features such as faults and magnetic intrusions

and the location of 8JJ1 basin boundaries

The information gained from the survey to be used as a guide

in seleating areas of interest for further more detailed geophysical

surveys in the search for oil bearing struotures

II THE FLYING PROGRAMME

II 1 PRE-FLIGHT PREPARATIONS

As the initial plan was to use Doppler for navigation and

flight path recovery east-west photo strips were prepared from

available 9 inch by 9 inch photography spaced at approximately

twenty-five miles and showing the positions of flight lines and tie

lines These were to serve as a check on the Doppler navigator but

after the loss of VH-AGR complete one inch to one mile mosaic

ooverage was prepared These were used throughout the survey for

navigation and subsequent flight path recovery

-3shy

II 2 PROGRAMME DETAILS

(a) Survey Altitude

The survey was poundlown at a constant barometric altitude of

2250 feet above mean sea level (amsl) by reference to a

standard aircraft type pressure altimeter with frequent comparisons

against an APN-l radio altimeter

Average terrain clearance was 1250 feet

(b) Flight Lines Flown

One hundred and seventy three (173) poundlight lines were poundlown

the average spacing being two (2) miles Tie lines were flown

perpendicular to the flight lines as sho~ in the flight line shy

tie line diagram (see Plate 2)

Individual Line Mileages

The individual mileage flown for each tie and flight line is

listed below

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

2 25 6 51 10 79

3 26 7 52 11 112

4 30 8 79 12 110

5 50 9 79 13 108

14 121 40 104 66 123

15 120 41 103 67 123

16 117 42 103 68 122

17 96 43 59 69 121

18 39 44 103 70 75

19 131 45 10l 71 75

~ lt

-4shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

20 53 46 82 72 74

21 120 47 101 73 73

22 118 48 101 74 73

23 102 49 101 75 72

24 70 50 150 76 72

25 70 51 149 77 71

26 109 52 149 78 71

27 109 53 148 79 70

28 85 54 99 80 69

29 61 55 99 81 69

30 60 56 9~ 82 68

31 107 57 98 83 67

32 107 58 98 84 67

33 48 59 97 85 66

34 60 60 97 86 ~

66

35 106 61 95 87 65

36 156 62 92 88 55

37 155 63 91 89 55

38 110 64 89 90 55

39 23 65 86 91 55

92 55 117 46 l42 63

93 53 118 116 l43 63

94 53 119 116 144 109

95 53 120 116 145 109

96 52 121 116 l46 110

97 52 122 101 147 112

- 5 shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

98 51 123 101 148 64

99 51 124 101 149 63

100 51 125 101 150 63

101 51 126 44 151 64

102 51 127 48 152 65

middot103 50 128 50 153 18

104 50 129 51 154 17

105 50 130 51 155 15

106 49 131 61 156 12

107 49 132 61 157 35

108 49 133 61 158 35

109 48 134 61 159 35

llO 48 135 62 160 35

III 47 136 63 161 35

ll2 47 137 61 162 35

ll3 47 138 62 163 35

114 47 139 63 164 35

ll5 47 un 63 165 35

ll6 46 l4l 63 166 35

167 35 II 80 E 3g-f

168 35 III 8J F 369

169 35 IV 57 G 206

170 35 V 57 H 356

171 35 I 150

172 35 A 76 J 34

173 35 B 76 K 6

0 44 L 6

~ 1

middot1

-----------~-~--~--~ ---~-~---- --~-~-- --~~~-

-6shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

I 79 D 250 M 6

N 6

0 56

P 56

Q 56

Total Flight Line Miles 12903

1 IITie 2138

Grand Total l50u

(c) Storm Monitor

The storm monitor vas installed at Tennant Creek Aerodrome

NT and was run continuously 24 houra per day throughout the

following periods

17th August to

24th October to

22nd January to

25th May to

24th September 1966

20th December 1966shy

2nd May 1967

8th June 1967

III METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS USED FOR THE SURVEY

III 1 AIRBORNE (TarAL FORCE) MAGNETOMampTER

The instrument used for this survey was a Gulf Mark III

total force saturable core fluxgate magnetometer manufactured by

the Gulf Research and Development Company Pittsburgh PennsylVania

uSA

The airborne magnetometer is intended primarily for measuring

and recording the Earth 1 s total magnetio field intensity and in

-7shy

particular looal variations of intensitr such as Dl8yen be oaused by

geologioal inhomogeneities

The equipment oomprises a measuring (deteoting) element an

osoillator to exoite it a vacuum tube oircuit to amplity and deteot

the output variations of the element orientating devices (which keep

the detector element aligned) a potentiometer circuit to compensate

or buckoutlt large changes of field and a recorder

The eqUipment was designed for use in a moving airoraft to

provide a continuous and accurate record of variations of the Earths lt

total magnetic field intensity Beoause an aircratt does not

accurately maintain its orientation in space provision has been made

to hold the measuring or deteoting element in a fixed orientation

(parallel) with respect to the Earths total field

The Earths magnetic field itself is used as a reference the

detector element being aligned with its axis ot sensitivitr parallel

to this field This arrangement places the detector element in the

most favourable position and errors due to improper orientation are

at a minimum Two simUar sets of deteotor elements are used to

sense and seek the position of zero (null) field I

When the axis of sensitivity ot the detector element is aligned

parallel to the Earth t s magnetic field 8DT error in alignment results

in a decrease of the total field reading the magnitude of the error

is proportional to the siDe of the angle ot misorientation and is of

the order ot 05 gamma tor at degree misalignment in a total magnetic

field of 55000 gamma

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 6: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-3shy

II 2 PROGRAMME DETAILS

(a) Survey Altitude

The survey was poundlown at a constant barometric altitude of

2250 feet above mean sea level (amsl) by reference to a

standard aircraft type pressure altimeter with frequent comparisons

against an APN-l radio altimeter

Average terrain clearance was 1250 feet

(b) Flight Lines Flown

One hundred and seventy three (173) poundlight lines were poundlown

the average spacing being two (2) miles Tie lines were flown

perpendicular to the flight lines as sho~ in the flight line shy

tie line diagram (see Plate 2)

Individual Line Mileages

The individual mileage flown for each tie and flight line is

listed below

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

2 25 6 51 10 79

3 26 7 52 11 112

4 30 8 79 12 110

5 50 9 79 13 108

14 121 40 104 66 123

15 120 41 103 67 123

16 117 42 103 68 122

17 96 43 59 69 121

18 39 44 103 70 75

19 131 45 10l 71 75

~ lt

-4shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

20 53 46 82 72 74

21 120 47 101 73 73

22 118 48 101 74 73

23 102 49 101 75 72

24 70 50 150 76 72

25 70 51 149 77 71

26 109 52 149 78 71

27 109 53 148 79 70

28 85 54 99 80 69

29 61 55 99 81 69

30 60 56 9~ 82 68

31 107 57 98 83 67

32 107 58 98 84 67

33 48 59 97 85 66

34 60 60 97 86 ~

66

35 106 61 95 87 65

36 156 62 92 88 55

37 155 63 91 89 55

38 110 64 89 90 55

39 23 65 86 91 55

92 55 117 46 l42 63

93 53 118 116 l43 63

94 53 119 116 144 109

95 53 120 116 145 109

96 52 121 116 l46 110

97 52 122 101 147 112

- 5 shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

98 51 123 101 148 64

99 51 124 101 149 63

100 51 125 101 150 63

101 51 126 44 151 64

102 51 127 48 152 65

middot103 50 128 50 153 18

104 50 129 51 154 17

105 50 130 51 155 15

106 49 131 61 156 12

107 49 132 61 157 35

108 49 133 61 158 35

109 48 134 61 159 35

llO 48 135 62 160 35

III 47 136 63 161 35

ll2 47 137 61 162 35

ll3 47 138 62 163 35

114 47 139 63 164 35

ll5 47 un 63 165 35

ll6 46 l4l 63 166 35

167 35 II 80 E 3g-f

168 35 III 8J F 369

169 35 IV 57 G 206

170 35 V 57 H 356

171 35 I 150

172 35 A 76 J 34

173 35 B 76 K 6

0 44 L 6

~ 1

middot1

-----------~-~--~--~ ---~-~---- --~-~-- --~~~-

-6shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

I 79 D 250 M 6

N 6

0 56

P 56

Q 56

Total Flight Line Miles 12903

1 IITie 2138

Grand Total l50u

(c) Storm Monitor

The storm monitor vas installed at Tennant Creek Aerodrome

NT and was run continuously 24 houra per day throughout the

following periods

17th August to

24th October to

22nd January to

25th May to

24th September 1966

20th December 1966shy

2nd May 1967

8th June 1967

III METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS USED FOR THE SURVEY

III 1 AIRBORNE (TarAL FORCE) MAGNETOMampTER

The instrument used for this survey was a Gulf Mark III

total force saturable core fluxgate magnetometer manufactured by

the Gulf Research and Development Company Pittsburgh PennsylVania

uSA

The airborne magnetometer is intended primarily for measuring

and recording the Earth 1 s total magnetio field intensity and in

-7shy

particular looal variations of intensitr such as Dl8yen be oaused by

geologioal inhomogeneities

The equipment oomprises a measuring (deteoting) element an

osoillator to exoite it a vacuum tube oircuit to amplity and deteot

the output variations of the element orientating devices (which keep

the detector element aligned) a potentiometer circuit to compensate

or buckoutlt large changes of field and a recorder

The eqUipment was designed for use in a moving airoraft to

provide a continuous and accurate record of variations of the Earths lt

total magnetic field intensity Beoause an aircratt does not

accurately maintain its orientation in space provision has been made

to hold the measuring or deteoting element in a fixed orientation

(parallel) with respect to the Earths total field

The Earths magnetic field itself is used as a reference the

detector element being aligned with its axis ot sensitivitr parallel

to this field This arrangement places the detector element in the

most favourable position and errors due to improper orientation are

at a minimum Two simUar sets of deteotor elements are used to

sense and seek the position of zero (null) field I

When the axis of sensitivity ot the detector element is aligned

parallel to the Earth t s magnetic field 8DT error in alignment results

in a decrease of the total field reading the magnitude of the error

is proportional to the siDe of the angle ot misorientation and is of

the order ot 05 gamma tor at degree misalignment in a total magnetic

field of 55000 gamma

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

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U

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06

- I

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ri 0

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No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 7: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-4shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

20 53 46 82 72 74

21 120 47 101 73 73

22 118 48 101 74 73

23 102 49 101 75 72

24 70 50 150 76 72

25 70 51 149 77 71

26 109 52 149 78 71

27 109 53 148 79 70

28 85 54 99 80 69

29 61 55 99 81 69

30 60 56 9~ 82 68

31 107 57 98 83 67

32 107 58 98 84 67

33 48 59 97 85 66

34 60 60 97 86 ~

66

35 106 61 95 87 65

36 156 62 92 88 55

37 155 63 91 89 55

38 110 64 89 90 55

39 23 65 86 91 55

92 55 117 46 l42 63

93 53 118 116 l43 63

94 53 119 116 144 109

95 53 120 116 145 109

96 52 121 116 l46 110

97 52 122 101 147 112

- 5 shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

98 51 123 101 148 64

99 51 124 101 149 63

100 51 125 101 150 63

101 51 126 44 151 64

102 51 127 48 152 65

middot103 50 128 50 153 18

104 50 129 51 154 17

105 50 130 51 155 15

106 49 131 61 156 12

107 49 132 61 157 35

108 49 133 61 158 35

109 48 134 61 159 35

llO 48 135 62 160 35

III 47 136 63 161 35

ll2 47 137 61 162 35

ll3 47 138 62 163 35

114 47 139 63 164 35

ll5 47 un 63 165 35

ll6 46 l4l 63 166 35

167 35 II 80 E 3g-f

168 35 III 8J F 369

169 35 IV 57 G 206

170 35 V 57 H 356

171 35 I 150

172 35 A 76 J 34

173 35 B 76 K 6

0 44 L 6

~ 1

middot1

-----------~-~--~--~ ---~-~---- --~-~-- --~~~-

-6shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

I 79 D 250 M 6

N 6

0 56

P 56

Q 56

Total Flight Line Miles 12903

1 IITie 2138

Grand Total l50u

(c) Storm Monitor

The storm monitor vas installed at Tennant Creek Aerodrome

NT and was run continuously 24 houra per day throughout the

following periods

17th August to

24th October to

22nd January to

25th May to

24th September 1966

20th December 1966shy

2nd May 1967

8th June 1967

III METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS USED FOR THE SURVEY

III 1 AIRBORNE (TarAL FORCE) MAGNETOMampTER

The instrument used for this survey was a Gulf Mark III

total force saturable core fluxgate magnetometer manufactured by

the Gulf Research and Development Company Pittsburgh PennsylVania

uSA

The airborne magnetometer is intended primarily for measuring

and recording the Earth 1 s total magnetio field intensity and in

-7shy

particular looal variations of intensitr such as Dl8yen be oaused by

geologioal inhomogeneities

The equipment oomprises a measuring (deteoting) element an

osoillator to exoite it a vacuum tube oircuit to amplity and deteot

the output variations of the element orientating devices (which keep

the detector element aligned) a potentiometer circuit to compensate

or buckoutlt large changes of field and a recorder

The eqUipment was designed for use in a moving airoraft to

provide a continuous and accurate record of variations of the Earths lt

total magnetic field intensity Beoause an aircratt does not

accurately maintain its orientation in space provision has been made

to hold the measuring or deteoting element in a fixed orientation

(parallel) with respect to the Earths total field

The Earths magnetic field itself is used as a reference the

detector element being aligned with its axis ot sensitivitr parallel

to this field This arrangement places the detector element in the

most favourable position and errors due to improper orientation are

at a minimum Two simUar sets of deteotor elements are used to

sense and seek the position of zero (null) field I

When the axis of sensitivity ot the detector element is aligned

parallel to the Earth t s magnetic field 8DT error in alignment results

in a decrease of the total field reading the magnitude of the error

is proportional to the siDe of the angle ot misorientation and is of

the order ot 05 gamma tor at degree misalignment in a total magnetic

field of 55000 gamma

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

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W

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No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 8: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

- 5 shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

98 51 123 101 148 64

99 51 124 101 149 63

100 51 125 101 150 63

101 51 126 44 151 64

102 51 127 48 152 65

middot103 50 128 50 153 18

104 50 129 51 154 17

105 50 130 51 155 15

106 49 131 61 156 12

107 49 132 61 157 35

108 49 133 61 158 35

109 48 134 61 159 35

llO 48 135 62 160 35

III 47 136 63 161 35

ll2 47 137 61 162 35

ll3 47 138 62 163 35

114 47 139 63 164 35

ll5 47 un 63 165 35

ll6 46 l4l 63 166 35

167 35 II 80 E 3g-f

168 35 III 8J F 369

169 35 IV 57 G 206

170 35 V 57 H 356

171 35 I 150

172 35 A 76 J 34

173 35 B 76 K 6

0 44 L 6

~ 1

middot1

-----------~-~--~--~ ---~-~---- --~-~-- --~~~-

-6shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

I 79 D 250 M 6

N 6

0 56

P 56

Q 56

Total Flight Line Miles 12903

1 IITie 2138

Grand Total l50u

(c) Storm Monitor

The storm monitor vas installed at Tennant Creek Aerodrome

NT and was run continuously 24 houra per day throughout the

following periods

17th August to

24th October to

22nd January to

25th May to

24th September 1966

20th December 1966shy

2nd May 1967

8th June 1967

III METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS USED FOR THE SURVEY

III 1 AIRBORNE (TarAL FORCE) MAGNETOMampTER

The instrument used for this survey was a Gulf Mark III

total force saturable core fluxgate magnetometer manufactured by

the Gulf Research and Development Company Pittsburgh PennsylVania

uSA

The airborne magnetometer is intended primarily for measuring

and recording the Earth 1 s total magnetio field intensity and in

-7shy

particular looal variations of intensitr such as Dl8yen be oaused by

geologioal inhomogeneities

The equipment oomprises a measuring (deteoting) element an

osoillator to exoite it a vacuum tube oircuit to amplity and deteot

the output variations of the element orientating devices (which keep

the detector element aligned) a potentiometer circuit to compensate

or buckoutlt large changes of field and a recorder

The eqUipment was designed for use in a moving airoraft to

provide a continuous and accurate record of variations of the Earths lt

total magnetic field intensity Beoause an aircratt does not

accurately maintain its orientation in space provision has been made

to hold the measuring or deteoting element in a fixed orientation

(parallel) with respect to the Earths total field

The Earths magnetic field itself is used as a reference the

detector element being aligned with its axis ot sensitivitr parallel

to this field This arrangement places the detector element in the

most favourable position and errors due to improper orientation are

at a minimum Two simUar sets of deteotor elements are used to

sense and seek the position of zero (null) field I

When the axis of sensitivity ot the detector element is aligned

parallel to the Earth t s magnetic field 8DT error in alignment results

in a decrease of the total field reading the magnitude of the error

is proportional to the siDe of the angle ot misorientation and is of

the order ot 05 gamma tor at degree misalignment in a total magnetic

field of 55000 gamma

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

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Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 9: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-6shy

Line Miles Line Miles Line Miles

I 79 D 250 M 6

N 6

0 56

P 56

Q 56

Total Flight Line Miles 12903

1 IITie 2138

Grand Total l50u

(c) Storm Monitor

The storm monitor vas installed at Tennant Creek Aerodrome

NT and was run continuously 24 houra per day throughout the

following periods

17th August to

24th October to

22nd January to

25th May to

24th September 1966

20th December 1966shy

2nd May 1967

8th June 1967

III METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS USED FOR THE SURVEY

III 1 AIRBORNE (TarAL FORCE) MAGNETOMampTER

The instrument used for this survey was a Gulf Mark III

total force saturable core fluxgate magnetometer manufactured by

the Gulf Research and Development Company Pittsburgh PennsylVania

uSA

The airborne magnetometer is intended primarily for measuring

and recording the Earth 1 s total magnetio field intensity and in

-7shy

particular looal variations of intensitr such as Dl8yen be oaused by

geologioal inhomogeneities

The equipment oomprises a measuring (deteoting) element an

osoillator to exoite it a vacuum tube oircuit to amplity and deteot

the output variations of the element orientating devices (which keep

the detector element aligned) a potentiometer circuit to compensate

or buckoutlt large changes of field and a recorder

The eqUipment was designed for use in a moving airoraft to

provide a continuous and accurate record of variations of the Earths lt

total magnetic field intensity Beoause an aircratt does not

accurately maintain its orientation in space provision has been made

to hold the measuring or deteoting element in a fixed orientation

(parallel) with respect to the Earths total field

The Earths magnetic field itself is used as a reference the

detector element being aligned with its axis ot sensitivitr parallel

to this field This arrangement places the detector element in the

most favourable position and errors due to improper orientation are

at a minimum Two simUar sets of deteotor elements are used to

sense and seek the position of zero (null) field I

When the axis of sensitivity ot the detector element is aligned

parallel to the Earth t s magnetic field 8DT error in alignment results

in a decrease of the total field reading the magnitude of the error

is proportional to the siDe of the angle ot misorientation and is of

the order ot 05 gamma tor at degree misalignment in a total magnetic

field of 55000 gamma

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

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06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

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No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 10: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-7shy

particular looal variations of intensitr such as Dl8yen be oaused by

geologioal inhomogeneities

The equipment oomprises a measuring (deteoting) element an

osoillator to exoite it a vacuum tube oircuit to amplity and deteot

the output variations of the element orientating devices (which keep

the detector element aligned) a potentiometer circuit to compensate

or buckoutlt large changes of field and a recorder

The eqUipment was designed for use in a moving airoraft to

provide a continuous and accurate record of variations of the Earths lt

total magnetic field intensity Beoause an aircratt does not

accurately maintain its orientation in space provision has been made

to hold the measuring or deteoting element in a fixed orientation

(parallel) with respect to the Earths total field

The Earths magnetic field itself is used as a reference the

detector element being aligned with its axis ot sensitivitr parallel

to this field This arrangement places the detector element in the

most favourable position and errors due to improper orientation are

at a minimum Two simUar sets of deteotor elements are used to

sense and seek the position of zero (null) field I

When the axis of sensitivity ot the detector element is aligned

parallel to the Earth t s magnetic field 8DT error in alignment results

in a decrease of the total field reading the magnitude of the error

is proportional to the siDe of the angle ot misorientation and is of

the order ot 05 gamma tor at degree misalignment in a total magnetic

field of 55000 gamma

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

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U

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0 ()

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06

- I

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ri 0

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No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 11: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-8shy

The value of the step (automatic reset procedure) when

variations of magnetic field exceed the tull scale deflection

(ie 600 gamma) was 500 gamma

III 2 MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATIONS

The instrument was calibrated prior to the survey using

standard Helmholtz coils whose radius and coil constant provided

a force of 10 gamma per 1 milliampere of applied current

(a) Lag Test

Lag or delay of response considered in relation to the ground

position of the aircraft is due to a combination of the following

i) Delay due to electrical resistance in the circuitry

ii) Delay due to meChanical transference ot received signal

to the recorder Chart

iii) Delay due to difference in position between the 35mm film

recording camera and the detector head

To establish this lag it is necessary that the survey aircraft

fly over an easily identifiable magnetic body on a reciprocal course

eg a ship a large metal pipeline an iron bridge etc which will

give a well-defined sharp anomaly Then by identifying the centre

of the disturbing body on the 35mm tracking tilm and plotting its

position on the Chart record the difference between this point

(average of the reciprocal headings) and the peak of the magnetic

anomaly is the total lag for the installation tested

The lag test for this survey was flown owr the Sydney Harbour

Bridge immediately prior to the aircrafts departure

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

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u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

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PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

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Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

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()

c D

E

u Q)

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+-

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u

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 12: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-9shy

The installation used in this vurvey was checked as described

and no readable lag was detected The side fiducial index pen is

always aligned with the main recording pen

(b) Heading Effect Test

When using the H~son aircraft which towed the magnetometer

there was no heading effect

In the case of DC bull3 aircraft VH-AGU the detector head (measuring

fluxgate~and their respective servo-motors were installed in an

shy extension to the tail section of the survey aircraft

With this type of installation proper compensation for the

asypunetrical distribution of the aircraft IS permanently magnetised

material and the induced magnetic field effects caused by the aircraft

cutting magnetic lines of force on the detecting fluxgate must be made

Compensation for the aircraftls permanent magnetic material m~

be achieved in two ways one by the use of permanently magnetised bar

magnets or two by using induction (air core) coils

Induction coils with variable magnetic intensities controlled

directly by the magnetometer operator are preferable to bar magnets

in that they allow a trial and error compensation pr~cedure to be

carried out whilst airborne whereas in the case of bar magnets fmiddot

adjustments have to be made on the ground

The coil system of compensation was used on this survey tor the

DCbull3 compensation

Variations of induced magnetic fields caused by the aircraft

cutting linea 0 magnetic force on different headings was compensated

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

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06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

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No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 13: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

- 10 shy

for by the use of high permeabUity strips of metal (IIPermelloyR)

attached to the side af the magnetometer detector head housing

A selected magneticallr quiet area near Tennant Creek was used

for final compensation and a table showing residual heading errors

is included (plate 9) with this report

(c) Repeatability TesectN

I t is required to show that a traverse when poundlown in opposite

directions gives rise to identical (but laterallr reversed)

middot profUes

This test was carried out several times during the survey and

particularly in order to establish repeatabUity between the

magnetometers of VH-AGE and VH~U

III 3 32mm POSITIONING CAMERA

The instrument used to record the position of the aircraft in

relation to the ground was a single frame 35mm c~era using 400 foot

capacity film magazines details of which are as follows

Type Vinten ~5mm Geological Survey Camera

Focal Length 28mm (110 inches)

Shutter Speed l250th sec (set)

Diaphragm Range I f2 - pound32

Format 18mm x 25mm

The camera was mounted in the aircraft with its optical axis

vertical for straight and level poundlight

Exposures were made automaticallr using an electronically

controlled intervalometer set at 30 second intervals With the

exposure interval so set each 35mm frame is overlapped by

approximately 25 - 30 thus ensuring complete ground coverage

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 14: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-11shy

The camera exposures are related to the magnetic field record

by the use of a fiducial pen on the recorder which operates

simultaneously with the Camera Veeder Counter at every tenth

eleventh and twelfth exposure These fiducials appear on the

right hand side of the magnetometer reqord

Du Pont type 936 Superior Two 35mm fUm rated at 160 ASA was

used throughout the survey

shyAutomatic Film Laboratories Moore Park Sydney processed

the film

III 4 RADIO ALTIMETER

Apart from the pressure (barometric) altimeter which is

standard equipment in all aircraft a radio altimeter type APN-l

was used continuously to record terrain clearance

The instrument was set on IIhigh rangell (0-4000 ft) throughout

the survey and was checked at intervals over the base aerodrome

An Esterline Angus recording potentiometer was used in

conjunction with this instrument to obtain a continuous profile on

a five inch wide curvilinear chart recording at a chart speed of

It inches per minute

III 5 STORM MONITOR (Ground Magnetometer)

During aeromagnetic surveys it is essential that ~ time

variation of the Earths total magnetic field is monitored and

recorded throughout the survey on a 24 hour d~ basis

The normal diurnal change of the Earth I s field which occurs

daily is normally of low gradient and cyclic and is compensated

for in the standard flight linetie line control pattern

_~_______________L______ ___~_)

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 15: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-12shy

However ~ abnormal variation (field strength varying

erratically over short periods) will affect the recorded results

of all sorties carried out during these periods Where such

variations occur reflying would be necessary

The storm monitor used for this survey was a saturable-core

single fiuxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Gulf Research

and Development Comp~ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA

The complete equipment consists of

i) Fluxgate Element (detector head)

ii) Ceramic Spacing Rod

iii) IIBuckoutII magnet

iv) Tripod

v) Esterline Angus Recorder

vi) Compensator

The fluxgate element operates on the same principle as the

airborne instrument ie it comprises two coils having ferroshy

magnetic cores which are driven cyclically through saturation

A secondary (compensating) coil surrounds both primaries

which are connected in series opposition and so arranged that one

core saturates slightly ahead of the other The resultant output

is in the form of sharp pulses when there is no external magnetic

field the positive and negative pulses are equal in amplitude

Should an external field eg the Earth I S normal field be

applied to these cores their times of saturation would be altered c

causing a change in output thus increasing the etfect

To balance or null this introduced external field a current

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 16: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-13shy

is passed through the secondary coil (surrounding the primaries)

equal and opposite to the disturbing field

It is this current measured amplified and passed through a

potentiometer which is recorded and translated into magnetic units

To obtain maximum sensitivity a permanent magnet (dipole)

supported by a ceramic structure is mounted on the head together

with the detecting element This magnet adjustable in distance

and azimuth from the detector element is used to cancel or IlbuckoutU

the major portion of the Earths normal magnetic field

(a) Record

The recorder chart speed was set at It inches per minute

whilst the aircraft was on survey and It inches per hour at w other times

(b) Calibration

Prior to commencement of the survey the instrument was

calibrated using a standard Helmholtz coil (as used for the airborne

magnetometer)

Full scale deflection over the 4t inch wide recorder chart

was 240 gammas The chart is divided into 50 equal divisions thus

each division has a value of approximately 48 gammas

(c) Storm Monitor

For the period of the survey the sto~ monitor was installed

at Tennant Creek Aerodrome and its operation was continuous

During ~orties the recorder chart speed was It inches per

minute and at othez times It inches per hour

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 17: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-14shy

IV FLYING OPERATIONS

IV bull 1 AIRCRAFl

Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE began flying this survey in

the Elkedra area using a towed birdlt installation but after its

loss the survey was completed by the companys DC3 aircraft VH-AGU

using a fixed tail boom installation

IV 2 BASES

The survey aircraft operated from Tennant Creek Aerodrome

N bull T throughout the survey

IV 3middot MAPS AND CHARTS

The following maps charts and photographs were used to plan

fly and subsequen~ plot the aeromagnetic data

(a) World Aeronautical Charts (ICAO)

Scale 11000000 (158 miles to 1 inch)

Halls Creek 3222

Newcastle Waters 32J2

Lake Mack~ 3231

Alice Springs 3232

(b) Planimetric Series Maps

Scale 1250000 (approx 395 miles to 1 inch)

Birrindudu Mount Solitaire

Winnecke Ck Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Barrow Ck

Green Swamp Well Elkedra

Tennant Ck Alcoota

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 18: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

- 15 shy

(c) National MaQ~ing Photo-Index ~~s

(approx 4 miles to 1 inch)

Winnecke Ok Lander River

South Lake Woods (Lake Surprise)

Tanami Bonney Well

Tanami East Frew River

Green Swamp Well Barrow Ok

Tennant Ok Elkedra

Mount Solitaire Alcoota

(d) Photo Mosaics

(Scale 1 inch to 1 mile)

Oompiled by Adastra Airwavs Pty Ltd from available

9tl x 9 vertical photography (53 sheets)

IV RECORD OF OPERATIONS

Originally the company I S Lockheed Hudson aircraft VH-AGE

was assigned to this area utilising a Marconi 623 Series Doppler

navigational system in conjunction with selected strip photograpby

However when this aircraft was lost having flown only the Elkedra

block of lines a company DO3 aircraft VH-AGU Was substituted

Because the Doppler unit Was also lost in VH-AGE the navigation

was completed visually by reference to prepar4d one inch to one

mile photomosaics

During the period 17th August to 16th September operations

of VB-AGE Were continuous except for the follOwing dates

18th August Rain anOor cloud

23rd - 28th August inclusive Turbulence (severe)

29th August Doppler equipment unserviceable

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

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+

+

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H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

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u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

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PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

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-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

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0 -~

00

+-

t-

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c D

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 19: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

30th August

31st August

1st September

2nd September

3rd-6th II incl

7th September

8th September

9th September

lOth September

11th-15th II incl

-16 shy

Equipment unserviceable (awaiting spares)

II 100 hourly inspection as weather

unsuitable for survey

Turbulent conditions - sortie abandoned bull

Aircraft unserviceable - uls starter motor

Turbulent conditions

Magnetic storms

II II

II Doppler equipment unserviceable

16th September Dust storms - gusting 35 knot winds

The operations of VH-AGU were continuous during the period

24th October to 2nd M~

25th October

26th October

29th October

1st November

4th November

5th November

6th November

7th-lOth II incl

12th November

14th-20th incL

26th November

2nd-4th December

except for the following dates

Bad weather condi tiona

II 1 n

II Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Awaiting navigation mosaics

II 1 Bad weather conditions

35mm Tracking camera breakdown shyawaiting spare parts

Bad weather - gusting 30-40 knot winds

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable shyawaiting additional spare parts

Crew stand-down in accordance with DCA regulat~ons

Bad weather conditions

_____________---_~______________----~t-

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

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06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 20: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-17 shy

6th-11th December incl

13th December

16th December

18th December

2C t- gtecember

14th-21st January incl

25th January

28th January

29th January

30th January

31st January

1st February

2nd February

4th-15th February incl

Aircraft unserviceable - burst tyre shyawaiting spare

Magnetometer equipment unserviceable

Orew stand-down in accordance with DOA regulations

Bad weather conditions

Aircraft withdrawn owing continU4d bad weather

Bad weather conditions

II It II

Aircraft unserviceable - hydraulic leak

II II

II II II Dust storms

Oontinuous rain and low cloud

16th-20th February incl Oontinued bad weather

22nd-26th February incl

27th FebiUary

28th February

2nd-1L1~th March incl

18th March

23rd~26th March incl

28th March

29th March

1st-8th April incl

10th April

II II Equipment unserviceable - magnetometer water-logged

II II Heavy rain trom tropical cyclone - t100ds

No tuel available - used tor emergency services in NT

Gusty winds reaching 4ltgt-45 knots

Bad weather conditions

II

II

II

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

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~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

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06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 21: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-18 shy18th April Magnetometer equipment unservioeable

23rd April Crew stand-down in acoordanoe with DCA regulations

25th April Bad weather oonditions

26th April II

28th April 29th April

V AIRBORNE PROCEDURES

V 1 WARMING-UP OF INSTRUMENTS

All eleotronio instruments were switched on and left running for

at least half an hour before recording began to ensure their proper

and stea4y funotion

v bull 2 ATIlli OTATION OF REGORDS

During the survey reoords were annotated for future and plotting-

purposes the following annotations being made

v bull 3 AEROHACh~ETIG REGORD

i Line identifioation and direction

ii Numbering of the first fiducial number and every fiducial mark

equivalent to each lOOth frame

iii Time - synchronised with storm monitor

iv Step numbers

v Reoorder standardise marked RS

vi Measuring cirouit standardise marked MS

vii Instrument drift errors

V 4 RADIO ALTIMETER REGORD

i Start 8nd finish of line showing line numbers and direotions

ii Camera fiduoial numbers

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 22: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-19 -

V DAILY FLIGHT REPORTS

These reports give a detailed description of the sorties from

an operational point of view and show the following information

i Time of start and end of sortie

ii Instruments used and relevant details

iii 35mm photography frame numbers

iv Time of start and end of individual survey lines

v Direction of lines flown

vi Change s of film magazine s and recorder charts

vii Navigators diagram showing the flYing achieved for the

sortie and line directions

VI GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

VI 1 CONTROL OF OBSERVATIONS

Control of observations (magnetic datum) was achieved by the

use of all tie lines and selected flight lines so distributed as

to form rectangular circuits with approximatelY 20 mile sides

At all these intersections-readings were taken and using a

system based on least squares (successive approximations) each

control line was adjusted to a standard datum

Lines used for control distribution of errors and remaining

errors are shown in Plate 8 of this report

VI 2 rnSTRUMENT DRIFl

The instrument drift was checked at the end of each surveyed

line using the normal standardising procedures Both the recorder

and measuring circuits were adjusted in this w~

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 23: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

- 20 shy

VI 3 REGION AL CORRECTION

A regional correction was applied to the magnetic profiles

middotand is stated on each Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) contour map

as follows

Minus 95 gammas per statute mile South

Minus 08 gammas per statute mile West

VI 4middot ~YfAGNETIC INFORMATION (Average)

Total Force Field (f)

Inclination of Field (I)

Deviation of Field (D)

Vertical Component (Z)

Horizontal Component (H)

I 50500

_490

40 East

-38000 gamma

33500 gamma

VII REDUCTION OF DArA

VII 1middot PLOTTING OF FLIGHT PATH AND TRANSFER TO OVERLAYS

The position of the aircraft was first plotted on to 1 inch

to 1 mile photomosaics from 35mm traCking film These mosaics

were then reduced photographically to a scale of 1100000 and a

standard 10000 yard Transverse Mercator grid plotted by reference

to 250000 planimetric maps

VII 2

The aircraft track was then traced on to 1100000 overl~s

using the Transverse Mercator grid as reference

RELATING PROFILES TO THE PLOTTED FLIGHT PATH

All points plotted on the base overlay sheets were also plotted

011 the aeromagnetic profiles Ten gamma intercepts all highsll and

lows were then transferred from the profiles to the base overlqs

__-----shy

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 24: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-21shy

by scale

VII 3 DATUM LINING AND INTERCEPlING

Aeromagnetic profiles were referred to a common datum based

on the adjusted values of the control intersections

The assigned datum value was sufficien~ high to avoid an1

negative datum anomalies

Intercepts from the aeromagnetic profiles were taken at minima

axima and at intervals of ten gammas Where the anomaly gradients were steep other intervals were selected according to the gradients

The intercepted values were transferred to the base overl~s

using the positions plotted from the IIRqdist co-ordinates

VIII MAPS CHARrS RECORDS ETC bullbull SUPPLIED ON COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY

The following maps charts records etc were supplied on

completion of the survey

i All original annotated magnetometer profiles with positions

of flight linetie line intersections marked with adjusted

datum levels and titled with traverse number date flown

and direction

ii One Xerox copy of all magnetometer profiles for supply

to the Bureau of Mineral Resources under PSSA regulations

iii All original radio altimeter profiles showing height of

aircraft above terrain with annotations similar to ~agnetic

profiles in (i) above

iv All original storm monitor profiles (marked whilst on survey

at 10 minute intervals) These records show the variation

of the magnetic strength throughout the period of the survey

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

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- ll

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w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

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06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

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No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

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I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 25: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-22shy

v All original daily flight reports listing traverses flown

35mm film exposure numbers and fiducial numbers directions

of lines times of start and end of survey lines and all

pertinent operational data for each sortie poundlawn

vi Original 35mm tracking film

vii One (1) copy each of the Total Magnetic Intensity contour

maps on a uCronaflex base at a scale of 1100000

(approximately 158 miles to 1 inch)

viii One (1) copy each of Total Magnetic Intensity contour maps

on a Cronapoundlexll base at a scale of 1250000 (approximately

394 wdles to 1 inch)

ix One (1) copy of Basement Depth Contour map on a Cronapoundlex

base at a scale of 125000P (approximately 394 miles to

1 inch)

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

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H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

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u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

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PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

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-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

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0 -~

00

+-

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c D

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 26: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-23shy

IX INDEX OF FLIGHT LINES AND TIE

LINES FLOWN

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

157 S 2081966 3 301-570 I II158 N 571-840 II II159 s 1001-1340 II II160 N 13u-1630 II II161 S 1671-2010

162 N 2011-2290

163 N 2181966 ~ 001-290 II164 s 291-6()() II II165 N 66i-960

166 S II n 16u-2020 II II167 N 1341-1640 II I168 N 101-420

169 N 5121966 22 1110-1460

170 N 2281966 5 131-410 II I171 s 611-1020 II I172 N 1021-1290

173 S 5121966 22 651-1050

TL nOli E 5121966 22 51-650 TLllpll E 1981966 2 281-699

TLIIQ E I 001-540 (Roll 2)

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

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100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

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PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

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PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

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PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 27: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

2f

-24shy

Line No Direotion Seotion Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

I NW VL 151967 52 2620-3260 II IIII SE L-V 1700-2619 II IIIII NW V-L 1130-1699

IV NE 111 -16 2041967 46 5200-5809 II ItV S~1 16- I 4670-5199

2 700 E-D 3041967 51 1071-1381 II II3 2500 D-E 791-1070 II II4 700 E-D 461-790 II5 2500 E-F 71-460

5 700 E-D 861967 57 2l4l-2450 6 2500 D-F 2741967 50 1811-2169

II II7 700 F-D 1301-1810 8 700 G-D 3131967 39 1490-2220

II II9 2500 D-G 2221-2800 10 700 G-D 2801-3539 11 2500 C-F 2741967 50 170-950

- II11 700 G-F 951-1300 11A 2500 D-E 861967 57 1870-2llO

II12A 2500 C-D 1550-1869 12 700 F-C 2241967 48 1540-2679 12 700 G-F 27401967 50 951-1300

13 2500 C-F 2241967 48 561-1420 13 2500 F-G 661967 56 332-550

14 2500 C-H 3131967 39 3540-4420

14A 2500 C-E 661967 56 61-331

15 70deg F-C 2141967 47 2940-3579 15 700 G-F 661967 56 551-910

15 70deg H-G 2141967 47 940-2419 16 2500 C-F 2141967 2420-2939

It16 2500 F-H 490-939 17 2300 16-1 2041967 46 3120-3860

II18 500 I-F 11 3861-4669 II II19 500 I-F 2121-3119

19 450 F-16 561967 55 2492-2920

20 2300 G-I 2041967 46 1570-2009

21 2300 D-1 II II 60-999

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

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06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 28: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

~ J I

-25shy

Line No bull Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

22 500 I-D 1941967 45 2241-3530 23A 2250 F-I 561967 55 1872-2491 23 2300 D-I 1941967 45 61-919 24 NE I-F It 920-1679

II If25 SW F-I 1680-2240 26 S1d D-F 251967 53 2050-2429 26 NE I-F 1741967 44 8E1J-1679 27 NE I-D 3031967 38 3151-4179

128 H-D 1641967 43 1830-2689 29 S~ D-G 561967 55 1321-1871 30 NE G-D 3031967 38 4731-5340

31 st~ D-I II 2290-3150 32 NE G-D 14041967 41 581-ll89 32 NE I-G 3031967 38 1231-2289

n33 stf G-I 831-1230 34 sti D-G 2121967 35 3221-3720

35 SV[ D-I 1441967 41 1381-2230

36 NE I~A -321967 34 1811-3169

37 STt AI If If 680-1810

38 S A-D 2711967 33 671-1590

38 sw D-G 1541967 42 200-620 If If39 sw H-I 621-879

40 NE H-D 2611967 32 2661-3470

40 NE I-H 1541967 42 880-ll89 m[ D-I 2611967 32 1771-26EIJ41

II II42- Npound E-D 1001-1770

42- S1l E-I 16467 43 71-680 043 ST D-G 2611967 32 61-950

44 Sid D-I 2411967 31 EIJ-799

45 Si-l D-G 2121967 35 3E1J-1049

45 NE I-G 1641967 43 681-ll79

46 sw E-I 2311967 30 1690-2330 II II47 NE E-D 780-1689

48 NE G-D 561967 55 712-J320

48 SW G-I 2311967 30 ~60-779

--------~--

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

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~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

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06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 29: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-26shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

49 SW D-I 2211967 29 61-839 50 SW A-D 251967 53 1650-2049 50 NE I-D 1121966 21 981-1890 51 NE D-A 251967 53 1ll0-1649

51 SW D-I 1121966 21 171-980 52 SW A-D 251967 53 721-1109

52 SW D-I 30111966 20 3571-4450

53 NE D-A 251967 53 241-720

53 NE I-D 30111966 20 4451-5320 II II

54 NE I-D 2551-3470

55 SW D-I II 1751-2550 II II56 NE I-D 831-1750

amp ( SW D-G 561967 55 191-711

57 SW D-I 30111966 20 51-830

52 SW D-I 15121966 25 1551-2320

59 Svl D-I 29111966 19 4941-5800 II II60 NE I-D 4151-494Q

CDJ NE F-D 3151967 54 951-1480 shy0 SW D-I 29111966 19 3261-4150

62 NE I-D It II 2361-3110 II IIS~r D-I 1581-23tD

0 NE I-D 15121966 25 671-1550 t shy0 SW D-H 29111966 19 101-840

66 NE H-A 27111966 17 7001-8020 If It67 SW A-H 5981-7000 II II68 NE F-A 4981-5980

68 sw F-H 3151967 54 582-950

9 sw A-B 28111966 18 middot51-471

69 SW B-D 251967 53 fIJ-240

69 SW D-H 27111966 17 4231-4980

70 SW D-F 3151967 54 162-531

70 NE G-F 27111966 17 3491-4230

70 SW G-H II 2691-3390 Ii- NE H-D 3131967 39 6380-7030

72 NE H-D 27111966 17 2020-2690

73 SW D-H II II 1341-1990

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 30: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-27shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

74 NE H-D Z7ll1966 17 671-1340 75 SW D-H 1 61-670 76 SW D-H 25ll1966 16 2581-3250 77 SW D-H 17 bull 12 1966 26 51-650

middot78 Sw D-H 1212 1966 23 1031-1620

79 SW D-H 14121966 24 101-660 STshy80 D-H 15121966 25 101-670

81 H-D 3ll1966 9 5281-5889 ~

82 D-H 11 9 4601-5179 I II83 - H-D 9 3970-4600 ~

u~v84 D-H II 9 3401-3969

85 NE H-D II 9 2751-3400 86 SM D-H II 9 2181-Z750

187 H-D II 9 1570-2180

BE ) E-H II 9 1061-1569 ~

Ivt89 H-E II 9 520-1060

9U SW E-H 11 9 51-519

91 sw E-H 30101966 6 61-509

92 NE H-E 6 601-1119 II 693 sw E-H ll20-1589

94 H-E II 6 1590-2100

95 E-H n II 6 2101-2579

96 NE H-E II 6 2580-3139

97 SW E-H 31101966 7 l4J-619

98 ~~E H-E II 7 620-1059 II 799 sw E-H 1060-1549

lOC NE H-E II 7 1550-1990 II~

-- SW E-H 7 1991-2449 i102 NE H~ 7 2450-2879 It103 SW E-H 7 2880-3320 II104 NE H~ 7 3321-3779

105 SW E-H II 7 3780-4229

106 NE H-E II 7 4230-4659

107 SW E-H 7 4761-5219

108 NE H~ It 7 5220-5679

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

D~

06

- I

-

e ~l

ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 31: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

f I bull

-28shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

109 SW E-H 2111966 8 50-479 110 NE H-E II 480-960 III SW E-H II 961-1399 112 NE H-E 1400-1889

II II113 S-~ E-H 1890-2319 114 l~E H-E II 2320-2799 115 ~~J E-H II 2800-3229 116 ~2 H-E II It 3230-37J0

- II II ~117 E-H 3711-4149

118 s E-M 24111966 15 51-970 119 NE M-E II II 1001-2130

II II120 SW E-M 2131-3140 121 NE M-E 11 3211-4220 122 NE H-K 21111966 12 2651-3610 123 s~ K-H II 1841-2650

h124 4 H-K II II 801-1840

II II125 S~ K-H 51-800 -~126 - J-E 2111966 8 4150-4610

II II127 Svt E-J 4611-4999 I~ II128 N3 J-E 5000-5410

127 SW E-J 13111966 II 51-460 130 1E J-E 1l1l1966 10 651-1070 131 SW E-J II 1071-144D

II II132 NE J-E 1441-1860 133 SV1 E-J II 1861-2300 134 NE J-E 2301-2810 135 SW E-J II 2811-3260 136 NE J-E II II 3261-3790 137 SW E-J II 3791-4260 138 NE J-E II 4261-4810 139 SW E-J II 4811-5280

II II140 NE J-E 5411-6000 141 NE J-E 23111966 14 3831-4410 142 SW E-J II 3311-3830

II t143 NE J-E 2741-3310

144 SW E-N II 51-1000

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

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u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

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06

- I

-

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ri 0

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No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 32: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-29shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

145 NE J-E 22111966 13 5571-6220

145 NE N-J 23111966 14 1001-1530 146 SW E-J 22111966 13 5011-5571 146 SW J-N 23111966 14 1631-2140

147 NE J-E 22111966 13 4401-5010

147 NE N-J 23111966 14 2241-2740 148 S~(l E-J 22111966 13 3861-4400

149 NE J-E II II 3221-3860 150 SW E-J II II 2581-3120 151 llE J-E II II 1901-2580

152 SW E-J II 1371-1900

153 SW H-J 25111966 16 4681-4890

154 NE J-H 13111966 11 1581-1780

155 SW H-J II II 1381-1580 156 NE J-H II II 1191-1380

TIE LlNES

Ali 3100 36-69 321967 34 70-679 Bil 3100 3amp-69 Zl11967 33 60-670 GU 1800 11-23 861967 57 520-1010 liD 3100 77-2 941967 40 81-1539 DIt 3100 87-78 12121966 23 711-1030 nEil 3100 78-2 2731967 37 60-1870 liE 1000 78-87 12121966 23 431-710 tEn 100deg_1300 87-14l 22111966 13 4l-1110 IIEll 900 141-152 II It llll-1370 FII 1300 5-76 2731967 37 4581-6599 II Fit 1200 78-143 19121966 27 211-1600 II Gil 3100 71-8 3131967 39 51-1489 URU 1300 14-78 II II 4571-6379 RII

II III

1100

2700

3100

78-156 64-IV

17121966 151967

26

52 651-2360 61-1129

IIJII 1650

1200 125-156 13111966 11 461-820 821-1190

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

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T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

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II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

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+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

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+

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N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

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E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

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u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

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PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

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Frome

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~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

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-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

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0 -~

00

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 33: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-30shy

Line No Direction Section Date Sortie Frame No Remarks

KII 1300 122-125 21111966 12 3721-3850

L 2250 I-III 151967 52 3261-3329 II Mil 3100 121-118 24111966 15 3141-3210 liN II 3100

147-144 23111966 14 2J4l-2240

---------~ --~ ------- ---~--------- -

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

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w

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06

- I

-

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ri 0

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No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 34: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-31shy

AHlaJ LIST OF PLATES AND DIAGRAMS

1 Location Diagram

2 Diagram of Flight Pattern

3 Specimen Magnetometer P~cord

4 II Radio Altimeter Record C

5 II Storm Monitor Record

6 II 35mm F~ Record

7 Mosaic Coverage

8 Distribution of Magnetic Closure Error and Residual Error

9 Residual Heading Error

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

==t--t-==i~ III) ~ It g- --o t-_~I~u= __ --c+ -z

o - i=

u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

- ---1

lL

0 -~

00

+-

t-

O

()

c D

E

u Q)

E

+-

LD

u

(Y)

shy+

- ll

Z

Q)

w

0 ~ --shy

U

W

0 ()

~

-II

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06

- I

-

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ri 0

~ shy

No -

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 35: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

middot ~~

-32shy

Plate 9

RESIDUU HEADING EFFECT TABLE

Mg Ela12sed CorrsRdg Residu~ Error Direction Gamma Time mins Corm Gamma Gamma

3600 100 0 0 100 0

1800 91 3 -09 90 -10

6900 100 5 -15 99 -1

2700 104 9 -26 101 + 1

0450 1~2 II -32 99 -1

2250 100 13 -38 96 -4

135deg 96 17 -50 91 - 9

3150 06 20 -58 100 0

360deg 107 -70 100 024

Date 10th November 1966

Place Tennant Creek NT

shyAircraft DC3 VH-AGU

Magnetometer Gulf Mark III (Stinger)

Height 2250 feetams1

Time 1609 - 1634

Method Induction Coils (Permanent)

Permalloy-II Strips (Induced)

--

iii

- ~ ~ ~ tt~ ~ Ui ~ ~ Ij

T ~

+ + +0middot AldVld

+ I

I~~ I I

I

ooy WI

I I I I

I

c

I I

II QLOWA +

I NTII

t----------______ +

_ ________L SA

100

LOCATION DIAGRAM

PLATE 1IH61 Ma$o~

+

J

(lgt

0 gt r 0

0 0

gtshy C 0 gt

+

7 0 -1

~

r - C

-i ~ 0

Z

+

+

+

N

H~rl t~) pound(O elM )4 hur k tf-j

I ~ Lmiddotmiddot~l t _ r _-- t1 I

C NXD ~~~Llmiddot ~-lmiddot~middot--liIT-lmiddot~-B 1 q 1 tomiddotmiddotmiddot 0 r 0

j~ 1~ 25 ~if - lit1-lt we ll__L_+i U(POSORE Iii j

~ --~ltlt Imiddotmiddot tmiddot~-

~

E V) ~ E uJ ----+--=t--=--+ f ~=L~~~h~~~F=f~r~[Er~r=zr~[~bJU tj ~-g-~-f==-r=-=--+-cshy

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u-shyt==t==t=-l=03==r-tmiddotmiddot w shyljJ~~4~~2~~$~t~~1j~--~f~~rsp~[ ~g~~~_=-+_lt===-I ii ==1=t=plusmn

~~~~~~~~~[1~e~V4e~f~~~Stta~bliSfh~e~d9~fr~o~mIt~f~~~~~~~]Jr=t~~-~-~-~==----4---C==+-- ~~2~~yen

t 1==

-----shy

PLATE 3 SPECIMEN MAGNETOMETER RECORD

------

L_

Frome

-------- ----

~-----_-+------

~------

----middot_---------1-----shy

--~----- ------------- --- __--shy-------- ------~---

-------- ------_ ------ __ _------shy ----~-

-------- ------ -----f------middot----- 1----shy

-----+___ CHART SPEED-3 if1_chesp~r minute_---=- _____ +------------- ----------t---------t-shy

PLATE 4 SPECIMEN RADIO A METER RECORD (curvilinear)

middot SM_----gt

-----~-~

-----+------ ---i--------- c

deg -------r_------~-------~---~------_+------_4------r_-----+_------_-----~r-----~~------~ ~

--shy~~~~==~~i=~~~~====~~~~=t==~~l=~~~~~~=-~======~~====~~8=-=--=middot--=--8~1----~

-----1-----shy

----~-I--===cHART SPEED 1- 5 inch per minute on ~ I J

=~~n _1-5 in~ff per houiJoff survex)-shy---~

PLATE 5 SPECI EN STORM MONITOR RECORD

~

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0 -~

00

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 37: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 38: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 39: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 40: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 41: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

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-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 42: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

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Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 43: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-33shy

Part II

Interpretation Report

Q OJ oR J

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 44: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-34shy

CONTENTS

I INTRODUCTlOO

II METHODS OF STUDYING DATA

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATlOO

Eastern Area Blocksl B C and D

Main Area

(a) Depth to Basement

(b) Structure

Western Area Blocks E F and G

Main Area Block H

SUMlfARY AND RECOMMBNDATIONS

APPENDU I Methods used in the Interpretation of the Aeromagnetic Data

APPENDIX II Elements of the Earth I s Magnetic Field

Page No

35

36

37

39

JI)

41

44

45

47

49

51

53

54

58

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 45: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-35shy

I INTROOOCTlOO

I The area coveredby the survey is approximately 25000

square miles and as far as we know includes considerably

varied geology within these very extensive limits Most of

the area is covered by sand so that our present knowledge of

the geology is based on outcrops which cover only a small

fraction of the total area

The aim of this interpretation is threefold

1 To obtain a general picture of the geology and

especially the distribution of the shallow basement

areas which ~ be used to plan further exploration

within the area

2 ~o find the depth of magnetic basement in areas in

which a considerable thickness of potentially oil ~

bearing sediments ~ exist

3 To recognise certain structures mainly major faults

in the basement which ~ have affected overlying

sedimentary rocks

The very size of the area presents special problems for the

interpreter With so little known about the geology and the

problems not yet clearly defined it is difficult to know which

particular aspects of the interpretation should be emphasised

~le feel therefore that a re-interpretation of the airborne

results at some later date when more is known about the geology

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 46: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-36shy

of the area will be well worth while

A special problem in this area is the abundance of shallow

magnetic bodies Over almost the entire area there are magnetic

bodies close to the surface Some of these are probably due to

lavas or basic igneous intrustions within the younger sediments

These minor anomalies make itmiddot very difficult

(a) To distinguish between the areas in which a weakly

magnetic basement lies close to the surface and

areas in which non-magnetic sediments with igneous

intrusions are near the surface

(b) To calculate the dept of the magnetic basement

accurately because they distort the shape of the

anomalies associated with the deeper bodies

There is a second interpretation problem namely that in

places the tlbasement ll for oil exploration may not be magnetic

some areas of apparently deep basement may in fact be areas of

very weakly magnetic basement

II METHODS OF STUDyrnG DATA

The major part of the interpretation was carried out by

measuring various parameters of the anomalies using the original

magnetometer records These anomalies were selected from the

magnetic contour map as the ones best suited for depth estimation

using the methods described in Appendix 1 Corrections were

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 47: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-37shy

made for anomalies which cross the flight lines obliquely

In the course of the interpretation the calculated depths

were related to the pattern of magnetic anomalies seen on the

contour maps and a comparison made with structures and outcrops

shown on the geological maps of the adjacent areas

The numerous small anomalies from near surface bodies

distortthe shape of the anomalies from rocks in the magnetic

basement thus reducing the accuracy of the estimated depths of

basement

The trend of a few of the shallow magnetic bodies can be

followed from line 92 to line 112 If this information is useful

for the appreciation of the geology further interpretation of the

shallow anomalies might be attempted especially in areas where

it is known that conformable lavas or sill occur within the sediments

Until more geological control is available we do not know to which

areas this may be applied

If lavas ar~ found in any part of the area the aeromagnetic

records should be re-examined first to relate the small anomalies

to the lavas and then as suggested above to work out the structure

from them

III GEOLOGY OF THE AREA

The most detailed information about the geology of the area

came from two maps provided by American Overseas Petroleum Ltd

Exploration Department One map - D-172-G at 1500000 scale

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 48: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-38shy

shows all known rock outcrops in the north western part ot the

survey area

Map C118G at 11000000 scale shows the geology as it is

known over the whole area and over a considerable part ot the

surrounding country This map also shows the gravity contours

which are based on surveys carried out by the Bureau ot Mineral

Resources

Information about the surrounding area comes trom the

12534000 scale Tectonic Map ot Australia published by the

Bureau ot Mineral Resources Department ot National Development

1960

Depth contours based on information provided by an aeroshy

magnetic survey tlown by Aero Service Ltd in 1964 are available

in the north western part ot the area

We can summarise the geology as tollowsshy

The oldest rocks in the area are Archean rocks ot the

Arunta Complex These rocks where they outcrop are

strongly magnetic and provide a well defined magnetic

basement they torm much ot the southern limit ot the

sediments in the survey area

Lower and Upper Proterozoic rocks which include

sediments lavas and acid and basic intrusions are tound

on both the southern and northern siQes of the south eastern

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 49: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

part of the area (that is on sheets 5 6 7 and 8 on the

1250000 scale maps) These rocks are 3trongly magnetic

where they outcrop

Most of the outcrops of non-metamorphic rocks seen

within the survey area are of Cambrian age We knoW little

about the structures which affect them

Devonian rocks in OP 123 south east of BarroW Creek

form a syncline Devonian rocks are also found in the

southern part of OP 118 in an areavhere there is a large

negative gravity anomaly

To the north of the area a thin cover of Mesozoic and

Tertiary sediments lie on top of rocks of unknown age

A narrow belt of Tertiary sediments occurs about 20

miles south of Barrow Creek Another thin belt of Tertiary

sediments occurs about 20 miles south east of Devils Marbles

Both narroW belts of Tertiary sedi~nts look as though they

might folloW some eroded major fault line

IV OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

An airborne magnetic survey was flown over oil prospect 118

by Aero Service Ltd and deptnto basement has been calculated

This was a reconnaissance survey flown for Exoil Company Pty Ltd

with flight lines 8 and 12 miles apart In places we have more

data and can get a little more detail from our interpretation

However the picture of basement configuration is not appreciably

changed

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 50: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-40shy

A gravity survey was carried out in the BJea by the Bureau

of Mineral Resources which supports this interpretation of the

present aeromagnetic data As we do not know the density of the

various rock groups the interpretation of the gravity results in

quantitative not qualitative The gravity lowsoccur in areas

where the basement according to the magnetic results is deep

Various gravity trends stop abruptly wheregtmagnetic trends indicate

a change in geology

V MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION

The methods used for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data

is described in Appendix I

Examination of the records shows that over much of the area

there are magnetic bodies of at least two depths Some of the

magnetic anomalies are obviously due to weakly magnetic or small

bodies which lie close to the surface These bodies produce a

geologic noise ll through which we can recognise anomalies from

a much deeper source which we consider constitutes the magnetic

basement in this area Several thin linear magnetic bodies near

the surface can be followed for twenty miles from line to line

they are probably lava flows or sill but may be dykes

The survey consists of one large area described in two parts

for which the basement geology is different There are also eight

blocks of four lines which were flown over better exposed areas

on the periphery of the main sand covered area and three blocks

of lines flown over Oambrian rocks at the eastern end of oP 123

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 51: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-Jshy

These blocks have been described separately

In the eastern part of the main area the anomalies are

strong and trend west-northwest In the western area the

anomalies are weaker and the trends more variable The

boundary between the two areas which runs across from sheet

12 to sheet 13 and across sheet 15 is in the Pre-Cambrian

rocks and not necessarily an important one in the Palaeozoic

rocks bull

Eastern Area

The blocks of lines are marked A B C and D on the

interpretation map These areas are described first and will

then be referred to occasionally in the description of the main

area These areas differ from the main area in the amount of

geological information available They provide a calibration

for the interpretation by showing the type of magnetic response

which may be expected from a number of the rock groups

Block A

The geology in this area consists mainly of Middle Protershy

ozoic rocks (Hatches Creek Group) and some Cambrian rocks The

rocks are folded along axes which strike north-west or northshy

northwest and are cut by faults which strike north-south and

north-west

The anomalies in the area have a high amplitude ard obviously

lie very close to the surface The southwest~rn part of the

block on sheet 17 is very strongly magnetic the part of the

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 52: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-42shy

block on sheet 18 is less magnetic The boundary between them

which is shown on the interpretation map appears to strike

northwest and is possibly a fault There appears to be a

second boundary between Block A and the main area this boundary

also appears to strike northwest The Middle Proterozoic rocks

in this area would constitute a magnetic basement if they occur

beneath less magnetic sedimentary rocks

At the northeast end of the lines where the Cambrian rocks

outcrop the basement is about 2500 feet below sea levelbull

Block B

Block B consists of three bands of lines Bl B2 and B3

Huch of the area is covered by sand Cambrian rocks outcrop

along the southeastern edge

The magnetic anomalies in this area strike east-west and

southwest and have a high amplitude In the northwestern part

of the block the magnetic basement is less than 1000 feet bel~w

below sea level it also appears to be shallow in the southeastern

corner Between these two areas there lies a basin I in which

the magnetic basement is about 4000 feet deep This basin

extends southwest outside the limit of Block B and it also

extends to the north east across a shallower part There are

two major faults in the basement rocks One crosses B3 and

strikes east-northeast This fault appears to be a continuation of

a large fault seen near the southern end of the main area (sheet 20)

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 53: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-43shy

The northern limit of the sedimentary basin in Block B

might also be related to an extension of a large east-northeast

fault in the main area (sheet 25) but if it is it is not evident

on the magnetic map The boundary between the basin and the

shallow magnetic area in the southeast corner of Block B also

appears to be a fault which strikes northeast This suggests

that the deeper sediments in this area occur in a trough-like

fault

Block C

Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop in the northern part of

Block C and Archaean rocks of the Arunta Complex outcrop in the

south

I The anomalies over the Upper Proterozoic rocks are large

and tta magnetic bodies are obviously very shallow or actually

reach the surface The anomalies are presumably due to basic

rocks In the southern part the rocks are less magnetic but

are still shallow This is quite consistent with what is known

about the geology

The strike of the magnetic anomalies in the southern part

of the area is east-west in contrast to the northwest strike

which is seen in the northern part This indicates adifference

in the structural pattern of the two parts of the block The

boundary between the main block and Block C strikes northwest and

from the sharp change we think that it may be a large fault

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 54: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-44shy

Block D

The rocks exposed in Block D consist of Upper Proterozoic

in the north and Archaean rocks in the ArunJa Complex in the

south A narrow band of Tertiary sediments which strikes

northwest runs across the area and coincides with the steep

gravity gradient The geological map shows shear zones in the

north An inlier of Cambrian rocks occurs near this Block

The magnetic basement is shallow on sheet 20 where the

upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The well developed gravity

minimum coincides with areas in which the magnetic basement

reaches a depth of 3000 feet This suggests that there is a

basin II within the Upper Proterozoic rocks and faulted with

either weakly magnetic Proterozoic or younger rocks possibly

bounded on its northern side by a fault~

A basement depth of 1700 feet southeast~f Barrow Creek

seems to occur over Proterozoic rocks and not over the Cambrian

outlier This apparent depth found over weakly magnetic rocks

may ~ccount for a number of conflicting depths observed elsewhere

in the area

Main Area

The rocks which outcrop in this area include one which range

in age from Archaean to Devonian Except for the major basin

implied by the outcrops of Pre-Cambrian to the north and south

of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the middle of the area there

are no major structures to be seen The Devonian rocks occur

with the fold which strikes northwest There are few outcrops

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 55: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-45shy

within the area which is almost entirely covered by sand The

southern boundary of the area lies close to the most northerly

outcrops of the Arunta Complex

A gravitY survey was carried out in this area by the BMR

and two extensive negative anomalies indicate areas in which there

m~ be greater thicknesses of light sediments

Both gravitY and magnetic maps indicate three areas in which

sediments ~ be thicker than elsewhere One area lies 50 miles

east of Barrow Creek the second lies along the southern ~dge of

OP 118 and OP 119 the third area lies in the southeast corner

of OP 120

(a) Depth of Basement

In the northern part of the area the depth determinations

made on the magnetic anomalies indicate that the basement is shallow

most of it being less than 2000 feet below sealevel and some of it

being less than 1000 feet On sheet 20 (south west corner of

sheet 6) the limit of this area of shallow magnetic basement seems

to be a fault which strikes northwest or west-northwest and

separates the shallow basement area from the deeper basin 111

which lies in the south west corner of 0P123 This basin is

4000 feet and 5000 feet deep Magnetic bodies at shallower

depths in the centre of the basin may be due either to anuplifted

block to an intrusion or to a mass of lavas within the basin

A small basin IVIt which lies 15 miles southwest of the end

of Block A is possib~ due to a small basin of Cambrian or nonshy

magnetic Middle Proterozoic rocks

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 56: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-46shy

A large magnetic structure which strikes west-northwest

is associated with the northern margin of the basin V which

lies on the southern edge of 0Pll9and OPllS and for the most

part coincides with the large negative gravity anomaly This

basin is about 4000 feet deep at its eastern end and is about

10000 feet deep in the middle

The shallower depths on sheet 15 correspond to relatively

higher gravity values within the gravity low already mentioned

To the west of this a greater depth m~ be associated with a

transverse fault which runs north-northeast this structure

could affect the distribution of oil or gas in this area

At the western end of the basin a west north west trending

anomaly within the basin gives unusually shallow depths flanked

by much deeper values This magnetic boQy presents a puzzle~

It is very narrow for a horst block but on the other hand it is

unusual to have a wide Qyke in this position~ It is possible

that the deep values to the north of this block come from a

weakly magnetic basement We can only draw attention to this

boQy and remark that there is some peculiarity in the geology

It ~ justify fUrther ground investigation This shallow

structure and the main basin gtoth end against a large northshy

northeast fault

The southern limit of this basin V is the outcrop of the

Arunta Complex which is distinguishable on the magnetic records

by the abundance of shallow anomalies The boundary is abrupt

and may be a fault There are a number of III1ch shallower values

found within the area and it is difficult to interpret them

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 57: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-47shy

They m~ be due either to local shallowing of the basin floor

or to magnetic bodies within the sediments

In the northern part of the area (on sheet 17 northwest

corner of sheet 6) several shallow anomalies can be followed from

line 92 to line 112 This suggests that the shallow anomalies

here are due to a bedded magnetic horizon or to qykes Because

volcanic rocks are found within the Cambrian rocks in 0P152

these magnetic anomalies maT be due to lava flows or volcanic

ash Similar shallow magnetic bodies occur in profusion over

most of the area

Area VI to the south of those bedded magnetic rocks

referred to above (close to the western edge of sheets 17 and 20)

there are a number of shallow depth determinations in the middle

of deeper values We think these shallower values are due to

intrusions or volcanio rocks which lie olose to the surface

Between this area and the basin VII in OP 123 there aPpears to

be an area in which magnetic rocks are abundant at shallow depths

This coincides wi~h an increase in the gravity field and thus

likely to be an area in which the sediments are thin

Elsewher~ in the eastern area the cover of weakly magnetic

rooks is not thick

(b) Structure

The magnetic anomalies within this area run mainly northwest

and southeast with an occasional swing in the strike to east-westbullbull

Some information about the main structural divisions of the

Jl

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 58: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-48shy

basement rocks can be obtained from the pattern of the magnetic

anomalies which indicate a number of major changes within the

Pre-Cambrian rocks There appear to be major fault zones striking

east-northeast near basin III judging from the depth estimation

made from the magnetic data some of these faults have moved since

the Palaeozoic sediments were deposited in this area Most of

these faults have a very considerable strike length One fault

which cuts across the area near point 136 E and 210 45 S m~ extend

to Block B as described earlierand may form the northern edge of

one of the areas of deeper sedimentation 111 bull

The southern boundary of the main outcrop of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in OP 123 also follows a well-defined magnet~c feature in

the basement rocks

There are some north-south trends VIII on the magnetic map

which we think ~ be associated with faultsbut it is difficult

to make out the direction of movement of these faults or whether

they have been moved since the sediments were deposited (In other

areas there is an obvious change in the thickness ot sedimentson

either side of the big faults)

The Basin IlIon sheet 20 is cut by one of these north-south

faults and there are several anomalies superimposed upon the larger

ones which couldcome from igneous rocks whichmiddothavebeen intrudedmiddot

along the fault plane

On the eastern side of sheet 16 a break in the magnetic

pattern suggests that a large north-northeast fault IX cuts across

this area The shallow anomalies which were picked out on lines

92 and 112 stop on the line ot this fault This suggests that the

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 59: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

---~

-49shy

fault affects both the basement and the sediments

On the southern side of the area on sheet 20 the change

from basement (Archaean rocks) to non-magnetic sediments is

abrupt Anomalie s here are superimposed on one very large

anomaly whose source appears to lie 12000 feet below sea level

and is very well seen on flight line llJ It is possible that

this deep feature controls the boundary of the Archaean rocks

both here and to the west where the rapid change in depths as

determined from the magnetic map suggests a large fault bull

The northern edge of the basin is complex We think that

it is bounded bY a fault which is marked both by its strong

magnetic trends and by the change in depths indicated by the

magnetic anomalies

The western end of basin V is a large north-northeast fault

which m~ extend to basin XII The actual division between the

eastern and western part of the area is not a clear cut line

The boundary includes a zone in which much shallower but more

erratic basement depths are observed

Western Area

The western area has a completely different magnetic pattern

from that of the east Unlike the pronounced linear pattern in

the east the anomalies in this area have no well-defined trend

direction

Most of it is covered by sand through which occasional outshy

crops of Cambrian rock are seen At the extreme western end of

the area Upper Proterozoic rocks outcrop The only structures

lt

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 60: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-50shy

indicated in this area are faults which strike northwest there

is no indication of folding in the Palaeozoic rocks

In the western part of the area the flight lines were

flown in bands so that the info~mation about part of this area

is less complete than it is in the east and the results should

treated as reconnaissance survey findings only

For convenience we could describe the blocks separate~

Blocks E F and G lie to the north of the area Block H lies at

the western end of the area

Block E

This block or l~nes covers outcrops of Lower Proterozoic

rocks in the north to Cambrian rocks in the south Magnetic

rocks are shallow in the north and are presumably Proterozoic

The boundary of the shallow rocks is abrupt and is possibly a -

fault Depths of 5000 feet are found to the south and mark

the beginning of a basin X which extends to the west We do

not know how far this basin may extend tothe east To the

southeast the basement is less than 1000 feet below sea level

Block F

Shallow magnetic rocks are found on the nor~hern part of

Block F and are separated by a well defined boundary from

deeper magnetic basement in the south This boundary m~ be a

continuation of the one seen on Block E The basin of weakly

magnetic rocks is 5000 feet deep

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 61: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-51shy

Block G

The rocks which outcrop are of Cambrian age In the

northern part of this strip the depth estimates vary considerably

and it is difficult to know whether we are dealing with a

sedimentary seotion containing magnetic rocks or a weakly magnetshy

ised basement The anomalies which run along the direction of

the flight lines could indicate a shallow basement In the

south the more consistent values indicate depths ot 4000 teet

and ~ mark the continuation ot the basin X seen in Blocks E

and F

Main Area

Within the main area east of block F (on sheet 13) we

show a small basement high on the interpretation map which is

based on three value s only As there are a number ot shallow

anomalies in the area probably due to magneticJqers within

sediments we cannot be quite sure that these three values are

in fact trom the basement If they are due to other larger

magnetic masses within the sediments then the shallow basement

which divides basin X disappears and we can take the basin through

trom Strip E to Strip F This basin deepens to about 7000 teet

and widens towards the west and ends at a basement ridge XI which

runs north-northeast

There is probably one basin XII about 7000 teet deep on

the western side ot this ridge but as it lies in that part of the

area where the aeromagnetic cover is not complete we cannot be

sure about the probable north-south strike or continuity ot the

~ t i -~

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 62: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-52shy

of the basin The eastern edge of the basin lies on the line

of the large north-northeast fault postulated at the western

end of Basin V There is no evidence for a continuation of

this fault on the aeromagnetic lines flown but this may be due

to the combination of flight path direction line spacing and

unfavourable basement geology

In the north western part of the area there is another

basin XIII which is separated from XII by a ridge This basin

is about 10000 feet deep The survey has not been extended

far enough to indicate the northern limits of this basin

Block H

Block H lies on Sheets 5 and 10 and has been flown almost

entirely over Upper Proterozoic rocks in which northwest faults

are seen The southeastern part ofthe stripis magnetically

flat and the contours run parallel to the flight lines so

that we obtain satisfactory depth values from the records bull

On the margin of Sheets 10 and 6 the magnetic basement is

obviously very shallow At the northwestern end of the blOck

shallow values indicate the outcrop ping of magnetic basement

Between these two groups of shallow anomalies the smooth contours

indicate a considerably deeper magnetic basement it is not

possible to make a proper depth estimate because of the numerous

small shallow magnetic bodies which distort the curve The

shallow values determined from the magnetic survey correspond to

areas in which the gravity values are high and the broad anomaly

which would indicate a basin corresponds to a gravity low

bull 5 bull

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 63: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-53shy

SUHMARY AND RECOMr-tENDATIONS

The results o~ the interpretation are most clearly

~arised on the 11250000 interpretation maps All sheet

numbers quoted in the text refer to the 100000 sheet layout

The major basins correspond closely to those indicated

by previous aeromagnetic surveys gravity surveys and the geology

~~ar basement faults striking east-northeast and north-northeast

are shown on the interpretation maps these faults may produce

minor folds or faults in the overlying sediments which could

affect the distribution of hydrocarbons in the area

Most of the ground surveys should be carried out in the

area where the basins occur We also suggest that particular

attention be paid to the origin of the shallow anomalies in all

areas If these anomalies are due to magnetic sediments the

magnetic map could yield an immense amount of structural informshy

ation the magnetic properties of the ~ediments pound-rom drill core~

should be studied especially if they-are found in an area in

which there are no igneous rocks to account for the anomalies

If igneous rocks occur the magnetic susceptibility of samples

should be measured so that the anomlies can be fully accounted

for the pattern of dykes and sills in an area might throw some

light on the structures If volcanic ashes are a potential

reservoir rock the changes in the magnetic anomalies may take

on a new significance

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 64: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-54shy

APPENDIX I

METHODS USED IN THE INTERPRETATlm OF THE

AEROMAGNETIC DATA

Harf-Slope Method

The measurements required for the Half-5lope method were

taken directly from the magnetometer profUe charts

The distance between the tangential points of contact of the

anomaly curve and the line of half maxinum slope have been empiricallJr

related by Peters to the depth of a dyke-like body so orientated

with respect to the Earths magnetic field that it produces a

symmetrical anom~ the distance between the inflection points or

points of maxinum slope is related to the maximum horizontal width

of the body This ratio of width to depth varies from anomaly to

anomaly and partially controls the choice of empirical factors used shy

in depth determinations the application of an appropriate factor

converts the scale distance between Half-Slope contact points into

a depth below the aircraft Where the anomaly is not quite symmetrical

the two flanks of an anomaly are processed independently and the results

averaged

This method could be in severe error if applied to anomalies

which are too disturbed too asymmetrical too comp1lex or not dyke-like

therefore care has to be taken in the selection of suitable anomalies

The method presents a number of advantages however mainly speed and

ease of use but especially its applicability to slightly disturbed

or complex anomalies which do Dot JustifY more elaborate analytical

techniques

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 65: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-55-

The depth obtained by this method is plotted midway between

the two inflection points of the anomalJr one or both flanks of

some very wide anomalies are treated separatel1 1n these cases

the depths are plotted at the 1ntleotion points on the assumption

that they represent the depth of the ~vidual contacts

A modification of this method which is more frequently used

permits the ~dth of the anomalous body to be calculated and makes

allowance for anomalies which are not symmetrical More accurate

depths may be calculated in this way than can be achieved by the use

of the simple half-slope method

Dipping Dyke Method

The Dipping Dyke method was developed by personnel of Huntec

Limited of Toronto Canada Although a paper is in preparation whichdescribes its application it is at present unpublished

Utilising the position of the inflection points the gradient

at these points and the maximum magnetic field value on a profile

at right-angles to the strike of the body information on depth width

dip location and magnetic susceptibility contrast is obtained with

the aid of prepared charts and tables

Under certain conditions this method may give reasonable

answers from anomalies which are not caused by dyke-like bodies

However specific checks such as the shape of the anomalJr are provided

by the method and help in detecting these cases If this method does

not function on a given anomalT it is an indication that the anomaly

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 66: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-56shy

is not derived from a Qyke-like boQy or that it is distorted by

anomalies from adjacent bodies An undetected or misinterpreted

regional gradient could also prevent its 8pp+ication

Depths obtained using this method are plotted onto Total

Magnetic Intensity contour maps at the calculated centre of the

dyke-like boQy

Characteristic Curve Method

This method resolves basically into matching the field anomaly

to a suitable theoretical anomaly derived from the mathematical

expression for the induced external magnetic field of the chosen model

by the use of co~ted characteristic curves

A comprehensive series of such curves has been prepared for

use with total magnetic -intensity measurements by Computer Applications

and Systems Engineering of Toronto Canada the curves have been

derived for various models which have geol~gical eqUivalants ie

tabular bodies dipping dykes vertical prisms stepcontacts horizontal

plates and rods

Several parameters of the theoretical anomaly are measureq and

combined to produce dimensionless quantities the most diagnostic

combinations are then chosen as estimators and plotted against the

parameters in families of characteristic curves

The interpretation involves measuring the most diagnostic

parameters on the magnetometer field record or contour sheet from

the estimators so produced it is possible with the characteristic

curves to interpolate the characteristics of the causative boQy

The results of the analyses are converted into map scale units bT the

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 67: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

-57shy

comparison of suitable linear parameters the choice ot parameter

being dependant on the chosen model A poundUrther set at curves enables the magnetic susceptibility contrast to be determined

Half-Width Method

Using this method a number at parameters can be measured on a

wide range of theoretical dyke curves and the results presented as a

series at curves which relate these parameters to the depth at the

causative body The distances measured include bull

(a) The distance separating the maxillllDl and minimum

gamma values of the anomaly

(b) The horizontal extent of the anomaly at half the

maxillllm amplitude

(c) The distanc-e separating tpe points of quarter and

three quarters at the maxiJJlllll amplitude on each

flank at the anomalybull

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
Page 68: aBPORT FOR SURVEY PAR~ 1 : OPERATIONAL REPORT ......i Airborne Magnetometer Surve,y Tanami :Barrow Cl.'eek Aeronagnet1c Survey :' 66/4624 WISO BASIN, N.T. being part of Northern TerritorY

APPENDIX II

ELEMENTS OF THE EARTHS MAGNETIC FIELD

The elements of the Earth s magnetic field vary appreciably

over the very large area covered by this ~ey At the northwest

end of this area the field is as follows I

Declination 4015 east of north

Inclination _490

Magnetic Intensity 50500 gammas

At the south end of the area the field iSI

Declination 4o30 east of north

Inclination _510

Magnetic Intensity

  • Part 1 - Operational Report
  • Introduction
  • The Flying Programme
  • Methods and Instruments Used for the Survey
  • Flying Operations
  • Airborne Procedures
  • Geophysical Techniques
  • Reduction of Data
  • Maps Charts Records Etc Supplied on Completion of the Survey
  • Index of Flight Lines and Tie Lines Flown
  • Part 2 - Interpretation Report
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Studying Data
  • Geology of the Area
  • Other Geophysical Surveys
  • Magnetic Interpretation
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2