Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Lithostratigraphic and sequence stratigraphic architecture of the Winduck Interval, central Darling Basin, Australia, based on integration of wireline logs, cores and cuttings data

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
International Journal of Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

An integration of lithostratigraphy and general sedimentary facies character for non-marine rocks can be a powerful tool in understanding the sequence stratigraphic architecture of the subsurface latest Silurian to Early Devonian Winduck Interval in the Blantyre and western Neckarboo sub-basins, central Darling Basin. This study integrates wireline logs (gamma ray and resistivity), cores and cuttings data to determine the sequence stratigraphic subdivision of the study area. The lithostratigraphy of the Winduck Interval could be subdivided into three units (A, B and C, in ascending order) in the four available wells (Mount Emu 1, Kewell East 1, Booligal Creek 1 and Booligal Creek 2). Closer study of the sequence stratigraphy in the approximately 850-m-thick Winduck Interval revealed ten parasequences (A–J) in progradational to retrogradational parasequence sets and three main Winduck sequences, WKS1, WKS2 and WKS3. Use of the suggested sequence stratigraphic model of the Winduck Interval has the potential to refine existing lithostratigraphic schemes and, given the higher resolution and more detailed correlation, may significantly improve subsurface stratigraphic reconstructions and aid in prediction of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alder JD, Bembrick C, Hartung-Kagi B, Mullard B, Pratt DA, Scott J, Shaw RD (1998) A re-assessment of the petroleum potential of the Darling Basin: a Discovery 2000 initiative. APEA J 38:278–310

    Google Scholar 

  • Aleali M, Rahimpour-Bonab H, Moussavi-Harami R, Jahani D (2013) Environmental and sequence stratigraphic implications of anhydrite textures: a case from the Lower Triassic of the central Persian Gulf. J Afr Earth Sci 75:110–125. doi:10.1016/j.jseaes.2013.07.017

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrews EC (1913) The Canbelego, Budgery, and Budgerygar mines. Part I of the Cobar copper and gold field. Geol Surv NSW Syd Mem Resour 17:207

    Google Scholar 

  • Bembrick CS (1997a) A re-assessment of the Darling Basin Devonian sequence. Q Geol Notes Geol Surv NSW 105:1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Bembrick CS (1997b) The Darling Basin Devonian sequence—a reappraisal—preliminary report. In: Geological survey of New South Wales open-file report GS1997/214

  • Bouougria El-Hafid, Saquaqueb Ali (2004) Lithostratigraphic framework and correlation of the Neoproterozoic northern West African Craton passive margin sequence (Siroua-Zenaga-Bouazzer Elgraara Inliers, Central Anti-Atlas, Morocco): an integrated approach. J Afr Earth Sci 39:227–238. doi:10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2004.07.045

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Byrnes JG (1985) Petroleum data package Darling region New South Wales. In: Geological survey of New South Wales open-file report GS1985/009

  • Clark NR, Moffitt, RS, Shaw RD (2001) Kewell East 1 well completion report. In: Geological survey of New South Wales open-file report GS2001/418

  • Clevis Q, DE Jager G, Nijman W, De Bor PL (2004) Stratigraphic signatures of translation of thrust-sheet top basins over low-angle detachment faults. Basin Res 16:145–163. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2117.2003.00226.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cooney PM, Mantaring AM (2007) The petroleum potential of the Darling Basin. In: Munson TJ, Ambrose GJ (ed) Proceedings of the central Australian basins symposium (CABS), Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 16–18 August, 2005. Northern Territory Geological Survey, special publication

  • Duarte LV (2007) Lithostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy and depositional setting of the Pliensbachin and Toarcian series in the Lusitanian Basin, Portugal. Ciências da Terra. http://hdl.handle.net/10362/4788

  • Emery D, Myers KJ (1996) Sequence stratigraphy. Blackwell Science, Oxford

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Evans PR (1977) Petroleum geology of western New South Wales. APEA J 7:42–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Galloway WE (1989) Genetic stratigraphic sequences in basin analysis: architecture and genesis of flooding-surface-bounded depositional units. AAPG Bull 73:125–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Glen RA (1979) The Mulga Downs Group and its relation to the Amphitheatre Group southwest of Cobar. Q Geol Notes Geol Surv NSW 36:1–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Glen RA (1982a) Nature of late early to middle Devonian tectonism in the Buckambool area, Cobar, New South Wales. J Geol Soc Aust 28:127–138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glen RA (1982b) The Amphitheatre Group, Cobar, and New South Wales: preliminary results of new mapping and implications for ore search. Q Geol Notes Geol Surv NSW 49:1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Glen RA (1986) Geology of the Wrightville 1:100 000 sheet 8034. Geological Survey of New South Wales, Sydney

    Google Scholar 

  • Glen RA, Clare AP, Spencer R (1996) Extrapolating the Cobar Basin model to the regional scale: Devonian basin-formation and inversion in western New South Wales. In: Cook WG, Ford AJH, McDermott JJ, Standish PN, Stegman CL, Stegman TM (eds) The Cobar mineral field—a 1996 perspective. Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Melbourne, spectrum series 3/96, pp 43–83

  • Haskell TR, Wiltshire MJ (1970) NSW oil & gas-mount Emu 1 well completion report. In: Geological survey of New South Wales open-file report WCR146

  • Jessop R, Cowan-Lunn R (1996a) Booligal Creek 1 well completion report. In: Geological survey of New South Wales open-file report WCR259

  • Jessop R, Cowan-Lunn R (1996b) Booligal Creek 2 well completion report. In: Geological survey of New South Wales open-file report WCR259

  • Khalifa M KH (2005) Geological and geophysical evaluation and interpretation of the Blantyre sub-basin, Darling Basin, New South Wales. Ph.D. thesis, University of New South Wales, Sydney

  • Khalifa M KH (2006a) High-resolution subsurface stratigraphy of the Blantyre sub-basin using seismic data and wireline-logs. PESA News Resour 84:102–110

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalifa M KH (2006b) Seismic sedimentological analysis and lithofacies framework of the Mulga Downs Group in the Blantyre sub-basin, Darling Basin. PESA News Resour 85:59–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalifa M KH (2009) Tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Blantyre sub-basin and adjacent regions, New South Wales, based on integration of seismic, gravity and well data. J Proc R Soc NSW 142:29–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalifa M KH  (2010) Correlation of the Devonian formations in the Blantyre sub-basin, New South Wales with the Adavale Basin, Queensland. J Proc R Soc NSW 143:19–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalifa M KH, Alta’ee AM (2011) An integrated petrophysical analysis to evaluate sequence stratigraphy of the Winduck Interval in the Neckarboo sub-basin, Darling Basin, NSW. In: 23th SPE Asia pacific oil & gas conference and exhibition (APOGCE), Jakarta, 20–22 September 2011. Paper SPE 148108

  • Khalifa M KH, Mills KJ (2010) Seismic sequence stratigraphy and facies architecture of the Scropes Range Formation in the Blantyre sub-basin, Darling Basin, NSW: ASEG/PESA Geophysical Conference and Exhibition, Darling Harbour Sydney, Australia. 22nd–26th August 2010, Expanded Abstracts no. 5 pp

  • Khalifa M KH,  Ward CR (2009) Stratigraphic correlation of the Devonian sequence in the Blantyre sub-basin, Darling Basin, western New South Wales. Aust J Earth Sci 56:111–133. doi:10.1080/08120090802546985

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khalifa M KH,  Ward CR (2010) Sedimentological analysis of the subsurface Mulga Downs Group in the central part of the Darling Basin, western New South Wales. Aust J Earth Sci 57:111–139. doi:10.1080/08120090903416237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khalifa M KH,  Mills KJ (2014) Seismic stratigraphic analysis and structural development of an interpreted upper Cambrian to middle Ordovician sequence the NW Blantyre sub-basin, Darling Basin (western New South Wales, Australia). J Pet Geol 37:163–182. doi:10.1111/jpg.12576

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khalifa M KH, Jones BG, Hlal O (2015a) Sedimentary facies analysis and palaeogeographic significance of the subsurface latest Silurian to Early Devonian Winduck Interval in the Blantyre and western Neckarboo Sub-basins, Darling Basin, western New South Wales, Australia. Aust J Earth Sci 62:307–330. doi:10.1080/08120099.2015.1020449

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalifa M KH, Mills KJ, Hlal O (2015b) Seismic stratigraphic interpretation of megasequence and sequence framework in the Upper Cambrian through Devonian formations in the central part of the Darling Basin, western New South Wales, Australia. J Pet Geol (in review)

  • Meor HAH, Howard DJ, Peter AA, Wan Hasiah A (2013) Sedimentology and stratigraphic development of the upper Nyalau Formation (Early Miocene), Sarawak, Malaysia: a mixed wave- and tide-influenced coastal system. Asia J Earth Sci 76:301–311. doi:10.1016/j.jseaes.2012.12.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nadon GC, (Toni) Simo JA, Dott Jr RH, Byers CW (1984) High-resolution sequence stratigraphic analysis of the St Peter Sandstone and Glenwood Formation (Middle Ordovician), Michigan Basin, USA. AAPG Bull 84:975–996

  • Neef G (2004) Stratigraphy, sedimentology, structure and tectonics of lower Ordovician and Devonian strata of South Mootwingee, Darling Basin, western New South Wales. Aust J Earth Sci 41:15–29. doi:10.1046/j.1400-0952.2003.01040.x.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neef G (2005) Devonian–carboniferous structure and tectonics at Maccullochs Range, and the recognition of the Darling Basin Conjugate Fault System showing switching of the directions of principal horizontal stress. Aust J Earth Sci 52:315–326. doi:10.1080/08120090500139422

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neef G, Bottrill RS (1991) Early Devonian (Gedinnian) nonmarine strata present in a rapidly subsiding basin in far western New South Wales, Australia. Sedim Geol 71:195–212. doi:10.1016/0037-0738(91)90102-J

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neef G, Edwards AC, Bottrill RS, Hatty J, Holzberger I, Kelly R, Vaughan J (1989) The Mt Daubeny formation: arenite-rich? Late Silurian–Early Devonian (Gedinnian) strata in far western New South Wales. J Proc R Soc NSW 122:97–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Neef G, Larsen DF, Ritchie A (1996) Late Silurian and Devonian fluvial strata in western Darling Basin, far west New South Wales. In: Geological society of Australia sedimentologists group field guide series 10. Geological Society of Australia

  • Pearson P (2003) Darling Basin SEEBASE™ Project by SRK Consulting. In: Geological survey of New South Wales open-file report GS2006/146

  • Pedersen PK (2003) Stratigraphic relationship of Alderson (Milk River) strata between the Hatton and Abbey-Lacadena pools, southwestern Saskatchewan—preliminary observations. In: Saskatchewan geological survey, vol 1, Saskatchewan Industry Resources, Miscellaneous report 2003-4.1, CD-ROM, paper A-11

  • Posamentier HW, Vail PR (1988) Eustatic controls on clastic deposition. II. Sequence and systems tract models. In: Wilgus CK, Hastings BS, Kendall CG St C, Posamentier HW, Ross CA, Van Wagoner JC (eds) Sea-level changes: an integrated approach. The Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, special publication no. 42, pp 125–154

  • Rayner EO (1962) The mineralogy and genesis of the iron-rich copper ores of the Cobar province, New South Wales. Ph.D. thesis, University of New South Wales, Sydney

  • Reading HG (1996) Sedimentary environments and facies, 2nd edn. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Reineck HE, Singh IB (1980) Depositional sedimentary environments, with reference to terrigenous clastics, 2nd edn. Springer, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Rider MH (2002) The geological interpretation of wireline-logs, 2nd edn. Rider-French Consulting Ltd, Sutherland, Scotland, p 280

  • Ruiz-Ortiz PA, Bosence DWJ, Rey J, Nieto LM, Castro JM, Molina JM (2004) Tectonic control of facies architecture, sequence stratigraphy and drowning of a Liassic carbonate platform (Betic Cordillera, Southern Spain). Basin Res 16:235–257. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2117.2004.00231.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scheibner E (1993) Structural framework of New South Wales. Q Geol Notes Geol Surv NSW 93:1–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Selley RC (1985) Ancient sedimentary environments and their subsurface diagnosis, 2nd edn. Chapman & Hall, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Slatt RM (2006) Stratigraphic reservoir characterization for petroleum geologists, geophysicists, and engineers. Elsevier Publication, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Wagoner JC, Posamentier HW, Mitchum RM, Vail PR, Sarg JF, Loutit TS, Hardenbol J (1988) An overview of the fundamentals of sequence stratigraphy and key definitions. In: Wilgus CK, Hastings BS, Kendall CG St C, Posamentier HW, Ross CA, Van Wagoner JC (eds) Sea-level changes: an integrated approach. The Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, special publication no. 42, pp 38–45

  • Van Wagoner JC, Mitchum RM Jr, Campion KM, Rahmanian VD (1990) Siliciclastic sequence stratigraphy in wireline-logs, core, and outcrops: concepts for high-resolution correlation of time and facies. AAPG Methods Explor Ser 7:55

    Google Scholar 

  • Vickery NM, Gilmore PJ, Mills KJ, Greenfield JE (2010) Mount Daubeny Formation. In: Greenfield JE, Gilmore PJ, Mills KJ (eds) Explanatory notes for the Koonenberry Belt geological maps. Geol Surv NSW Bull 35:178–191

  • Willcox JB, Yeates AN, Meixner T, Shaw R, Alder JD (2003) Structural evolution and potential petroleum plays in the Darling Basin: (Pondie Range Trough-Mount Jack Area) based on a seismic sequence analysis. Geoscience Australia Record, 2003/05, Canberra

Download references

Acknowledgments

We thank the Geological Survey of NSW, NSW Trade and Investment (Petroleum Geoscience) for support of this research and for permission to publish. Special thanks go to Jola Jaworska (Acting Manager—Petroleum Geoscience), Chief Geophysicist David Robson and Michelle Kounnas (Technical Assistant—Petroleum Geoscience) for providing all of the data and reports for this research. Thanks also to Dr. Jack Grant-Mackie (The University of Auckland) for raising some useful issues in his review of this article. We also thank anonymous reviewers and, especially, Dr. Kingsley J. Mills for helpful criticism during International Journal of Earth Sciences review.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zawia, PO Box 16418, Zawia, Libya

    M. KH. Khalifa

  2. School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia

    B. G. Jones

  3. Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Tripoli, PO Box 13258, Tripoli, Libya

    W. M. Mahmud

Authors
  1. M. KH. Khalifa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. B. G. Jones
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. W. M. Mahmud
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. KH. Khalifa.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Khalifa, M.K., Jones, B.G. & Mahmud, W.M. Lithostratigraphic and sequence stratigraphic architecture of the Winduck Interval, central Darling Basin, Australia, based on integration of wireline logs, cores and cuttings data. Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 105, 1109–1126 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-015-1241-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-015-1241-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation