Bass Strait And Encounter Bay Aeromagnetic Survey, 1960-1961 By Haematite Explorations Proprietary Limited

Updated: 2018-04-20

This report refers to an offshore aeromagnetic survey over the continental shelf of south-eastern Australia, from Gippsland in the east, through Bass Strait, to Encounter Bay and Kangaroo Island in the west. The survey was carried out for Haematite Explorations Proprietary Limited by Aero Service Limited during the period 17th September to 21st December, 1961. A previous reconnaissance aeromagnetic survey carried out by the same contractor over Bass Strait in December, 1960, had indicated the existence of deep Tertiary-Mesozoic sedimentary basins. The objective of the later survey was to delineate these basins and to extend the investigation farther westward with a view to selecting areas for marine seismic surveys. 17,945 miles of aeromagnetic traverse were flown and the results of the operation are presented as contoured maps of total magnetic field intensity and of interpreted basement depth. As a result of the survey, several areas of deep sedimentation were delineated in sufficient detail to allow for the planning of subsequent investigation by marine seismic surveys.